What to do when stuck in mud or high water
During heavy rain, low-lying streets, bayou crossings, and unpaved lots can quickly fill with mud and standing water. Start by not worsening the situation.
What you'll learn
- Why spinning the wheels digs you deeper - fast
- Don’t drive into standing water when its depth is unknown
- 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 at once. Another inch is lost for every 10 seconds they spin.
- See whether someone is injured or the vehicle is unstable (leaning, sinking, floating). If either is true, move to higher ground.
- Clear mud from both the front and rear of every drive wheel.
- Cardboard or traction/floor mats belong under drive wheels.
- Gently rock it back-and-forth by reversing 6 inches, then moving forward 6 inches.
- After 2 unsuccessful tries, or when the water is rising, stop and call to be matched with an independent professional for a winch-out.
Flooding a transmission or soaking an electrical system costs more than a winch-out. The matched operator’s truck has recovery mats and come-along rigs.
Rather have a pro handle it?
At any hour, callers are matched with licensed local operators for towing and roadside help across the Houston metro.
Keep learning.
Jump-start a dead battery safely
Jumper cables seem easy until the connections are wrong. Connect them correctly to prevent sparks, damaged electronics, and an unnecessary tow.
Change a flat tire on the side of the road
Knowing the spare and jack locations ahead of time can mean a 20-minute shoulder stop instead of spending an hour calling a tow company.
Prepare your vehicle for a tow
Preparing for a few minutes before the matched tow truck gets there reduces delays, helps prevent damage, and speeds up the call.