What to Watch For When Using a Vehicle Traction Device

A vehicle traction device (traction board, anti-slip mat, etc.) is a common self-rescue tool when a vehicle is stuck in mud, sand, or snow. Used correctly it frees you quickly; used wrongly it does nothing and may even damage the vehicle or injure someone. Here are a few practical points.

First, stop the vehicle, shift to neutral, and study the ground before you start. Do not force a board under a wheel that is still spinning — spinning only digs you in deeper. Clear away some of the loose mud or sand in front of and behind the tire to cut resistance.

Second, place the board directly in the wheel's direction of travel, and wedge, weight, or bury it so it stays put — otherwise the wheel can shoot it out. If both wheels on an axle are stuck, put a board under each side. In soft sand you may lower the tire pressure (say to 1.0–1.5 bar) to enlarge the contact patch, then reinflate to normal once free.

Third, drive gently. Use a low gear, keep the revs down, feather the throttle for a slow, steady pull, and avoid hard acceleration, sudden braking, or sharp steering. The most dangerous case is a heavy throttle with an unsecured board — it can launch out like a projectile and injure someone, so always have a spotter nearby. Once free, stop immediately to retrieve the board and check tire pressure and the undercarriage.