Rain on these Slo Coast roads and trails means risky driving conditions. Loose or wet surfaces reduce traction and, without traction, your vehicle might as well be a bobsled.
Though there is much more to be said about driving in wet weather here are a few quick tips that might help should you encounter muddy conditions.
If you drift or pull onto a muddy shoulder and your tires start to spin, first try easing off the accelerator. Though you may want to step on the gas thinking you'll speed right out of the potential pickle you're in, don't — it will only make your tires spin faster which clogs the tread and creates ruts. Instead, decelerate and allow the tires to grab some ground. If that doesn't work, when it is safe to do so, get out of the vehicle and make an assessment.
If the vehicle's undercarriage rests on high ground and it looks like pulling forward or backing up might cause damage to the vehicle and/or the landscape, call for roadside assistance. It's best to call a professional. Asking or accepting help from a well-intended, inexperienced friend, neighbor, or stranger could inadvertently endanger everyone involved.
Now, if there's some daylight under the vehicle, you could get back in the car and try to ease forward. If your wheels spin, try reverse alternately with forward and rock the car back and forth until your tires get a foothold. You can also turn the steering wheel back and forth just enough for the sides of your tires to use the sides of the shallow ruts to help crawl out.
What can you do if your car starts to slip and slide while driving downhill on a muddy road? You can turn your wheels into the direction of the slide, as you would on ice, not severely but as slightly as possible to keep the vehicle upright. To decelerate, gear down, slowly pump the brake pedal, and allow tires to get a grip.
How about uphill when you lose traction? Again, try taking your foot off the accelerator. Yes, I know giving it the gas might get you past a problem, but for those of us who are not thrill seekers, slow and easy is a better bet. Nothing gets you in trouble faster than excessive speed. Gunning the engine spins the wheels, digs holes, and deepens the ruts — ruts that someone will have to fill some day. On the other hand, if you ease off the gas and keep a firm grip, you may succeed at ascent the first attempt. If not, you'll have the thrill of blindly backing down a slick hill to get another run at it. Oh joy.
Speaking of ruts - what might you do when you encounter deep ruts in the road? Consider going a different route. If you must proceed, avoid the ruts or straddle them. Keep tires on the high areas of the road to stay level and minimize environmental impact. If your tires end up sucked into ruts, and again when it's safe to do so, get out and survey the situation. Make sure your vehicle isn't bogged down so deep it's perched on the island between tracks. If there's some clearance, follow the same instructions as above — get back in the car and very slowly go forward. If your tires spin, try reverse alternately with forward and move the car back and forth. Remember, you can also turn the steering wheel back and forth just slightly so the outside tread of your tires can use the sides of the ruts.
If your regular rear-wheel drive tires (not 4WD, AWD or FWD), still spin, you can put some weight in the back, right over the rear axle. Find some rocks or firewood. These are especially good for added weight because you can also use them to make a path for your tires if you become stuck. Get the rocks or wood as close to the tread as possible and focus on the rear tires if you have rear-wheel drive. Don't create too much of a bump for them to go over.
While you're at it, just in case you do get stuck in a rut or on a soft shoulder and need help getting out, keep your cell phone charged, your AAA card current, and your walking shoes and drinking water handy.
Safe and happy motoring to you.
