Q: How do I get unstuck?
How do I get unstuck?
Most of us think that getting stuck is the province of trucks and SUVs driving off road, but that’s not always the case. Your car may get stuck in snow, mud or sand that’s washed over the road, or you may even get stuck on the side of the road. Getting your car unstuck is a priority, and here’s how to do it:
Use a tow strap secured properly to the vehicle.
Do NOT use the tie-down hooks on the front of your vehicle for towing or unsticking your car.
Turn off the vehicle dynamic control system.
Check in front of and behind your car for any potential obstacles.
Turn the steering wheel back and forth.
Rock the car from side to side (slowly).
Shift from drive to reverse and back again.
Use the gas sparingly, and don’t spin your tires.
If you still cannot unstick your car, call a tow truck.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How do you add air to the tires?
Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is only half the equation – you have to be able to add air when they get low. If you’ve never aired up your tires before, don’t worry. It’s not particularly complicated. Here’s...
How do I replace the remote transmitter battery?
If your remote transmitter battery dies, it will need to be replaced. You can do it by following these steps: 1. Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew the remote transmitter case. 2. Open up the transmitter keypad. 3. Carefully...
Steering wheel shaking
A shaking steering wheel at low speeds can be caused by tires that are out-of-round or badly worn due to some failed suspension component. Have a technician, such as our experts here at YourMechanic, check for looseness in the front...
Got code P1259 after Check Engine light
Hi, the problem could be a bad sensor. I would recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor. To do this, disconnect the battery and locate the pressure sensor,remove old pressure sensor and replace it with the new one. Finally, reconnect the...
Advice on how to keep cars that aren't used very often from rotting
Yes, it depends on how long the car is going to be sitting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-storing-your-car). Your tires could possibly go bad. A lot of weight is sitting on the tires. It's a good idea to once in a while jack up...
Tire hitting coilovers
Hello. Unfortunately, if the tires are hitting the coils, new struts, and coils will not fix this. The clearance of the tire from the coils comes from the offset of the wheels. Larger aftermarket wheels (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/all-about-oversized-wheels-and-tires) will allow this to...
No crank at all, changed the starter & crankshaft position sensor still nothing.
Changing out parts for the no start may lead to replacing the correct part, but it may take a few parts and money. I suggest having a qualified mechanic come and diagnose the no start (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) by checking fuel pressures...
my temperature gauge rises slowly when its in drive and idle. once i start driving, it quickly drops. what could be the issue?
Hi there. From the description you have provided, this could be an inoperative radiator cooling fan issue. Turning on the a/c, this should turn the radiator cooling fan(s) on, which would help identify whether the cooling fan(s) are capable of...
Is it a good car to buy? Mercedes-Benz S500 of year 2001 with 138000 miles.
I would suggest checking the Kelly Blue Book website with specifics related to your zip code as market prices of cars vary by zip code. This will give you a baseline for determining whether or not the car is within...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon
When When you want a big SUV that can hold its own, come what may, you’ll be happiest with a GMC Yukon. Although the inside of one of these vehicles can sometimes resemble an upscale hotel room, the 2012 GMC...
2012 Ford Edge vs. 2012 Honda Accord: Which One Should I Buy?
Comparing a small SUV or a crossover to a sedan or coupe doesn’t quite seem fair: while the crossover is likely to cost more, it will also have a different skill set than the car as well as a completely...
2012 Jeep Patriot vs. 2012 Honda CR-V: Which One Should I Buy?
The mid-size SUV is a great vehicle for getting a lot of people from one place to another, with a decent price point and pretty good ongoing fuel economy. While they are never going to get the amazing gas mileage...
Browse other content
Services
Cities
Maintenance