Getting Stuck in the Mud: Summer Off-roading Tips You Need to Know

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Summertime is for fun in the sun. But for those of us in the know, ready to hit the trails and wheelie in the mud, it’s also time for some dirty nonsense. Whether you’re spinning out over sand, mud, rock, or anything in between, there are some things you should know about off-roading, or more specifically, tips you need to know to plan for a safe trip.

It doesn’t matter if this is your very first time or your hundredth time; going off the beaten path can be dangerous. You also need to choose the right vehicle and maybe do some pre-emptive maintenance before you bound through the sticky mud. Let’s dig in.

Before You Go Off-Trail

Stop. Collaborate. Listen. Before you jump off that asphalt road, you’ll want to do a bit of planning. We know, we know, it’s more of an obvious tip, but for you novices out there, it’s a valuable point.

Here are some things you should do before you hit the trails, or rather, the terrain that’s away from those trails:

• Schedule a multi-point inspection for your off-road vehicle. Make sure the mechanic checks basic components, as well, not just the engine. Suspension, tires, belts, hoses, lights, fluids, you name it.
• Pick the trail wisely. Do your research beforehand. Know what kind of terrain you’re dealing with, how it’s going to affect your tires and vehicle, and what kind of conditions you’ll be driving — or playing — in. If it’s inclement weather, snow or rain, be sure you have the right vehicle supplies. For example, tire chains.
• Don’t go alone. Bring some friends, fellow off-roaders, or plan to meet someone near where you’re headed. If you are going solo, make sure someone knows where you’ll be and where to find you.
• Check your GPS solution. If you don’t have one, install one. Make sure they’re working properly, they’re providing you with accurate information, and you have all the maps and terrain information you need — if it has to be downloaded to the device. It’s always better to go with a dedicated GPS or location tracking device versus using your phone.
• Pack an emergency kit with medical supplies, food, and other necessities. You don’t know what could happen or how long you’ll be off-trail.

Pack the Right Gear

Outside of the emergency kit, which we already touched on, you don’t want to head into the wilderness or off-trail without the right supplies. Imagine being caught in the desert late at night with no blankets, spare clothes, or food? Yeah, that would be no bueno.

Here are some additional things to pack in your trunk:

• Extra coolant and some spare motor oil.
• Bring a portable jump starter. Bonus points if it also has a tire pressure function.
• If you’re camping or spending the night out in the wilderness, bring along a portable power station and potentially a compatible solar panel. That allows you to charge your mission-critical devices and electronics anywhere.
• You’re going into the unknown, with unknown terrain, unknown obstacles, and that means dangerous encounters. Pack a tire repair kit and a winch to get your vehicle out of a tight spot.
• Don’t forget a traction board. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but they’re all designed to give your vehicle tires more traction in soft, pliable terrain like sand or mud.
• Some might say it’s overkill, but we always recommend bringing an advanced car or error scanner with you, like the Innova 5610. It can help you read and identify diagnostic error codes flagged by your vehicle. More importantly, you can assess real-time engine and performance data to understand when or if something is awry.
• Camping supplies are a must. Maybe a tent, a sleeping bag or two, and some blankets.
• Water. One gallon per person per day, at the very least.
• Spare clothes. You’re probably going to get dirty and possibly wet. You’ll want some warm clothes to change into, just in case.

Driving the Terrain

If you’re an expert, these next tips will be more like primers. But that’s okay, sometimes we need a quick reminder or two to keep things on an even keel.

Here are some solid pointers for driving over the various terrain types:

• Dirt and Gravel: Pay attention, drive deliberately, and keep your thumbs outside of the steering wheel for better reaction times.
• Beach or Desert Sand: Lower tire pressures to 15 psi, keep your speeds under 30 miles per hour, and stay away from high tides and deep water.
• Mud: Keep your speed slow and constant, but keep moving. Ensure you have mud tires or good traction. If you happen to get stuck, keep steering from left to right gently to loosen your tires.
• Rock: Usually called rock crawling, it’s all about finding the right line through an obstacle or face. Keep the throttle smooth or use a winch if you’re having trouble. If you’re in an area with multiple vehicles, remember to be patient.
• Snow: While you’re not likely to encounter it during the summer, snow is similar to driving over muddy terrain. It’s slippery, wet, and requires the right set of tires. Keep things light and steady, and try to stay off the ice as much as possible.

When the Going Gets Tough

If you do get stuck somewhere or your vehicle malfunctions, make sure you have your gear ready to go. You might need to use a traction board, for instance, to get your vehicle out of a deep rut in the mud. Alternatively, you might need to take out your OBD2 scanner to read error codes after a check engine light turns on.

Unfortunate events happen. If you’re prepared to deal with them, you can take action and move on. If you're not prepared, though, you might as well get used to that rough scenery. You’re probably going to be there a while.

Don’t forget to pick up that OBD2 scanner you’ll need before you head out and explore.

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