Clear Path, Add Traction Material, Gentle Rocking

Description

Creating a clear path, improving grip under the drive wheels, and using careful momentum can often free a stuck vehicle.

Recipe/Instructions

1. Clear Snow/Ice: Use a shovel (if available) or your hands/feet to clear away accumulated snow or ice from in front of, behind, and underneath the drive wheels (front wheels for FWD, rear for RWD, all for AWD/4WD).
2. Add Traction Material: Place gritty material directly in the path of the drive wheels (both in front and behind if trying to rock). Good options include:
   • Sand
   • Non-clumping kitty litter
   • Rock salt or ice melt (use sparingly, can harm environment/vehicle)
   • Cardboard pieces
   • The car's own floor mats (rubber side down, wedge firmly under the edge of the tire).
3. Straighten Wheels: Ensure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
4. Gentle Rocking (Manual or Automatic):
   • Turn off Traction Control (if possible, consult manual).
   • Select the lowest forward gear (or '2' or 'L').
   • Apply the gas very gently to move forward slightly.
   • If wheels spin, immediately let off the gas, shift to Reverse, and apply gas very gently to move backward slightly.
   • Repeat this gentle forward/backward rocking motion smoothly to build momentum and potentially roll out over the traction material.
   • Avoid spinning tires excessively, as this digs deeper.
5. Low Gear Traction: Once you get slight continuous movement, maintain very gentle, steady acceleration in the lowest possible gear until you reach a surface with better grip.

What makes the Dish Special

N/A - Combines clearing obstructions, improving grip, and careful driving technique for self-rescue.