Driving in rough terrains can be fun and adventuresome in the right vehicle, but can quickly turn into a massive headache when drivers find their vehicles stuck in dirt or sand. Here’s a guide to avoiding these environmental driving pitfalls, as composed by the vehicle recovery experts here at Chicago Towing.

Inspect the Road Ahead

If you are suspicious about the presence of mud, dirt, or sand, park your vehicle and inspect the road so you can be more sure about what the conditions of the path ahead are like. This can help you avoid hazards and carefully plan your driving route.

Drive Straight

Try to drive in a straight line as much as possible, as curves can cause you to get stuck. If you’ve already looked at the condition of the road, you can pre-map out a straight line path to get through the rough conditions.

Keep Steady Momentum

You should keep a steady and slow momentum when driving in easy-to-get-stuck-in environments. Don’t choose a low gear when driving in mud. If the wheels start to spin, lower the throttle and let them establish their traction as they get slow. Low gear is usually way better when driving in sand in the early morning when it’s usually the most firm.

Be Aware of the Direction your Wheels are Pointing In

If there’s ruts in the road, the tires will follow in their direction. THat’s why it’s best to drive with an awareness of the direction of where your wheels are pointed to. Try pointing wheels straight in the direction of any ruts in the road.

Deflate your Tires a Little Bit

Slightly deflate your tires when you’re driving in deep sand, mud, or dirt so that they can have the maximum amount of physical contact with the ground. This will increase your traction in a way that makes for safer driving.

Don’t Use Brakes

Avoid using your brakes as much as possible when you’re driving in sand or mud. Try slowing down your vehicle if you need to stop and let it naturally come to a stop instead of suddenly forcing a stop through applying the brakes, which can cause a deep rut that makes your vehicle get stuck.