Mud

Before entering a mud hole, analyze the situation. How deep is it? How long is it? Are there any hidden obstacles? Always keep forward momentum even if you are only crawling. Turning the wheels back and forth often gives the tires a new grip. If you do get stuck, try backing up and then going forward again. If you can’t go forward, back up and find another way around.

Use a stick to check the depth of a mud hole. If there aren’t any tire tracks going out the other side, think again before going into it.

Unless you are moving forward, don’t spin your tires. They will just dig deeper. If you get stuck, dig out around your tires then place rocks, logs or other firm material underneath for traction.

Important: Check differentials, transmission, transfer case and brakes after crossing deep mud or water. Mud may also pack in the wheel after driving in deep sticky mud. This may cause vibrations on the highway. Use a pressure hose to wash the mud out of the wheels.

Source: Mark A. Smith’s Guide to Safe, Common Sense, Off-Road Driving by Mark A. Smith

Tips for Driving in Mud

Use the IPDE strategy—Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.
Drive through at a steady pace. If you drive too quickly, you may get stuck.
Start in the highest gear possible, and do not change gears. Shifting up or down may cause you to lose momentum.

Unit 3 of 7
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Tips for Driving in Mud