Springtime is right around the corner and that means a lot of rain is destined to head our way. And what happens when it rains a lot? That’s right – things get muddy. And if you’ve ever been struck with no idea what to do, you’re not alone. This week, I am here to help you get out of a muddy situation. So, check out that guide below and stop in to see our team to upgrade your ride to a more capable Kia vehicle!

• Be prepared for anything and everything.

You may never know what will happen out there on the road and while that’s okay, we want to help set you up for success. Keep your vehicle’s tires at the correct PSI and with good tread.

Also, if you do not have roadside assistance, it is worth looking into especially if you live in an area where muddy conditions occur frequently. Be sure that your vehicle is always packed with emergency supplies such as blankets, small shovel, tow cables, and other items alike.

• Rock your vehicle out.

This can be a tricky way to free your vehicle and it can also be dangerous for your vehicle, so we only recommend doing this a few times. Keeping your wheels straight, gently step on the gas pedal and begin switching from drive to reverse. This creates a rocking movement and can sometimes free your vehicle from the mud by gaining traction. As we mentioned above, only do this a few times as this action can do damage to your engine or can create a deeper rut for you to sink into.

• Add traction.

Vehicles tend to get stuck when there is little to no traction for the tires to grip onto. Whether this is due to your lack of tread on your tires or because your tread is gummed up with mud – you still need to get some traction in order to get yourself out. Use anything you have or can find, sticks, floor mats, a blanket or a traction aid, and place in front of your tires. This will help your tires grip and make its way out of the mud. Gently press on the gas and if you feel yourself moving forward continue doing what you’re doing. But if your vehicle isn’t budging, this won’t work.

• Call for help.

At this point, you’ve done almost everything you can do by yourself unless you have friends, ask them for a push. But if your vehicle is still stuck in the mud this may be a good time to call roadside assistance, a tow truck or a friend to help tow your truck out of the mud. If you find yourself stuck on a busy roadway, this step might be the first one you should take instead of risking your safety. You are the shot caller – be safe and make the right choice.