subject: Reading PA Kia: What To Do When Your Car Is Stuck [print this page] Reading PA Kia: What To Do When Your Car Is Stuck
There are few situations more frustrating for a driver than finding themselves stuck in a rut. There are all types of conditions which may result in a car being stuck to include snow, mud, ice and sand. Depending in which condition you find yourself, getting free could be quite a challenge. At Reading PA Kia, we recommend the following steps to help drivers get out of a rut.
Evaluate severity- There are different levels of being "stuck". For example if your tires can move and have some chance of gaining traction, you might be able to free yourself on your own. On the other hand, if you are really stuck, with your tires partially or completely submerged in snow, mud or sand, the chances of getting free without help are much less. PA Kia dealers suggest evaluating the situation to get a realistic idea of how bad the problem really is before trying to get free on your own.
Don't spin your tires- If you have determined you might be able to free yourself without help, remember to avoid spinning your tires. A common strategy to get out of a rut includes shifting gears between forward (drive or 1st gear) and backward (reverse) to create a "rocking" motion which can often move the car out of the rut. If your tires are just spinning without moving the vehicle in either direction you will only find yourself in deeper trouble.
Helping hand- Kia dealers in Pennsylvania suggest clearing a path around the drive tires. If possible, put down material which will help your tires gain traction to slowly move out of the rut. This may include materials like kitty litter, dirt, leaves or even the floor mats from inside your car. Anything that will lend a helping "hand" to your efforts can improve the situation and help you get free from the rut.
