Last Updated on June 13, 2023

Picture this: you’re driving down a lonely road, surrounded by sand dunes and miles of open countryside when suddenly, your car grinds to a halt.

No matter how much you try, you can’t seem to get it moving again. You’re stuck, and you’re not sure what to do next.

Don’t panic; here’s what you can do to set your vehicle free when you are stuck in sand and which tools you can use to safely clear a path.

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Car stuck in desert sand dunes
Off-road vehicle driving on desert sand dunes

How to Get Your Car Out Of Sand

1. Assess the Situation

Before you do anything else, take a moment to assess the situation. Are you in a safe location? Is there any immediate danger?

If you’re on a busy highway or in the middle of a city, you’ll need to take different steps than if you’re in a more remote location.

Once you’ve established your surroundings, it’s time to take a look at your car. Try to determine what’s causing it to be stuck. Is it a flat tire? Are you stuck in mud or snow? Understanding the problem is the first step towards helping you find the right solution.

2: Get some tools

There are several tools that can come in handy to help get your car unstuck.

One of the most useful tools for getting unstuck from sand are traction mats. These mats are designed to create traction between your tires and the sand, making it easier for your car to move forward.

Traction mats are typically made of sturdy plastic or rubber, and have ridges or other texturing on their surface to help grip the sand.

To use traction mats, place them underneath the tires that are stuck in the sand and drive slowly over them. This should help your car gain enough traction to get moving again.

Another tool that can be useful in getting your car unstuck from sand is a shovel. A shovel can help you clear sand from around your tires, making it easier to move them.

If you don’t have a shovel on hand, you can use other tools, such as a stick or even your hands, to clear the sand away. It’s important to clear as much sand as possible from around the tires, so that they have a clear path forward.

Finally, one tool that could come in handy is a tow strap or chain. If you have a friend with a truck or SUV, use the strap or chain to pull your car out. But be careful! Make sure that the strap or chain is securely attached to both vehicles, and avoid standing too close to either car as the strap can snap and cause injury.

Keep calm and take your time – with a little bit of effort, you can get your car out of the sand and back on the road.

3. Clear the sand

The first thing you should do when you realize you are stuck in sand is to release the gas pedal. Avoid accelerating, as this can cause your tires to spin deeper into the sand.

Instead, activate the parking brake to keep your vehicle in place and assess the situation. Dig the sand out from around the tires, and clear at least a few feet of space in front of and behind the tires.

You better keep a shovel in your car to do this, but if you don’t have one, you can use your hands.

Once you have cleared the sand, create a path in the direction you’re trying to go. Pack the sand down and create a path in front of the tires.

If you have traction mats, they will work great in this situation. Otherwise, you can use items like your car’s carpets or floor mats, cardboard, rocks, or wood logs to create traction. Tuck them tightly underneath your tires, and drive over them to move your vehicle out of the sand.

In some cases, deflating your tires slightly can also help your car gain traction in the sand. This is because slightly deflated tires will create a larger surface area, allowing them to grip the sand more effectively.

However, it’s important to only deflate your tires slightly and to reinflate them as soon as possible after getting your car unstuck. Driving on deflated tires can be dangerous and cause damage to your vehicle.

4: Call for Help

If you’re not able to get your car unstuck on your own, it’s time to call for help. It may feel embarrassing to ask for help, but other motorists are likely to empathize with you and are willing to push your car.

However, make sure that no one stands directly behind the tires as the objects you have put down for traction can loosen and fly out.

If you have a tow strap, you can ask for a vehicle nearby to help pull your car out. Otherwise, you can ask around for a tow strap when looking for help.

Car in the desert
Car in a sandy desert road

How to Prevent Your Car from Getting Stuck in Sand

When it comes to driving on sand, there are a few things you can do to prevent your car from getting stuck.

First, check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and in good condition.

Drivers may benefit from using all-terrain tires that are designed to perform well in sand, mud, and snow. Another option is to use an ATV vehicle specifically meant for sand dunes, like a dune buggy.

It’s also important to avoid driving in hazardous conditions.

If you know there’s a storm coming or if you’re driving in an area with poor road conditions, consider waiting until conditions improve.

Keep a toolkit in your car, including a shovel, tow strap, and other tools that can help you if you do get stuck.

Regular car inspections can also help drivers minimize the risk of vehicle problems. By meeting with certified automotive technicians, drivers can get their cars evaluated and address any vehicle problems before they get out of hand.

Additionally, installing all-terrain tires and maintaining your vehicle can go a long way in preventing your car from getting stuck in sand. So before hitting the sand dunes, make sure your vehicle is well-prepared for the terrain.

Keep a toolkit in your car that includes a shovel, tow strap, and other tools that may come in handy if you get stuck.

A shovel can help you dig out your tires, while a tow strap or chain can be used to pull your car out if it gets stuck.

Other items like traction mats, floor mats, or even a piece of cardboard can help create traction for your tires.

Don’t forget to also pack plenty of water and sunscreen – if you get stuck you may end up having to spend hours under the sun and heat.


Read also: Tips for Driving in the Desert

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