What to Do If You're Stuck in Snow, Mud, or a Ditch

Winter storms and heavy rain send plenty of Nassau County drivers off the shoulder and into snow, mud, or a ditch each year, and flooring it to power out is almost always the move that makes things worse.

1. Stop spinning the tires immediately

   Every second of spinning digs you deeper and heats up the transmission more than it should.

2. Try rocking gently instead

   Low gear, forward and back, in small increments rather than one hard push.

3. Dig the debris out

   Snow, mud, or dirt packed around the tires and underside is often what's holding you in place.

4. Get something under the drive wheels

   Sand, kitty litter, or a traction mat, whatever's on hand, buys back some grip.

5. Know when you're done trying it yourself

   A few careful attempts with no progress means it's time for a winch-out truck, not more effort.