Maintenance Tip: How not to get stuck in the mud

“Go easy when you’re stuck,” advises Matt Smith, the service manager at Advantage Toyota.
When stuck in mud, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine, however if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse and spinning tires at high speeds can generate lots of heat and can cause trouble for transmissions, clutches and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.