What to do when stuck in sand or mud
Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, and the Carrizo Badlands swallow vehicles every week. Your first job is to keep the situation from getting worse.
What you'll learn
- Why spinning the wheels digs you deeper - fast
- Airing down and driving out, when conditions allow it
- How traction mats work and when to use them
- When to stop trying and call a winch-out
Step by step
- Quit spinning the wheels right away. Each 10 seconds of spinning sinks you another inch.
- First, see whether anyone’s hurt or the vehicle looks unstable, leaning or sinking. If it does, step away.
- Clear sand or mud ahead of and behind each drive wheel
- Floor mats, cardboard or traction mats under drive wheels
- Rock the vehicle gently: back up 6 inches, then roll forward 6 inches.
- Two tries with no movement? Stop and call for a winch-out.
A winch-out on Fiesta Island or in OB costs far less than a ruined transfer case. Matched operators carry recovery mats and come-along rigs.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Need a tow or roadside help anywhere in San Diego County? Call any hour of the day or night, and someone will pick up.
Keep learning.
Jump-start a dead battery safely
Jumper cables seem easy until they’re connected the wrong way. Get it right and you skip the sparks, the fried electronics, and a tow you never needed.
How to change a flat tire
Start by checking that your spot is safe, firm and level. If it isn’t, keep your seatbelt on unless you see fire or smoke, and call for help.
Prepare your vehicle for a tow
Spend a few minutes getting ready before the truck shows up, and you’ll save time, prevent damage, and keep the whole call moving.