How to Get Your Car Unstuck From Sand: Tips and Tricks

The UAE is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering a vast array of on-road and off-road experiences. From navigating through sand dunes to exploring rugged terrains, the possibilities are endless. However, these experiences can come with unexpected challenges, such as getting your car stuck in the sand. This is a common issue that many drivers in the UAE face and can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Especially if you don't have the right tools and techniques to get your vehicle out.

Fortunately, there's no need to panic if you find yourself in such situations. With the right tools and techniques, you can get your car unstuck and back on the road in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to free your car from the sand.

Steps To Follow If Your Car Gets Bogged In Sand

Assessing the situation and using the right technique are the greatest strategies to get our car out of the sand due. Therefore make sure you are aware of all the techniques to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. You can follow the below-given techniques to get your vehicle unstuck

KEEP THE RIGHT TOOLS

Make sure you have all the necessary off-road gear before planning an adventurous excursion. The mandatory off-roading accessories you need include:

• Traction Mats
• Shovel
• Tyre pressure gauge
• Tow Straps
• Rope ( 14’ or longer)

REDUCE THE TYRE PRESSURE

To fully enjoy the off-roading activities, the off-road tyre pressure must be set. To improve the driving experience, several experts advise decreasing the tire pressure to as little as 17 or 18 PSI. However, if your car becomes stranded in a sand dune, deflating the tires further as low as 15 psi is acceptable when getting out of a pit.

Lowering the tire pressure will aid in increasing the surface area and enhancing traction because flotation is essential for driving on sand. If you already deflated the tires before going off-road, try deflating them below 15 psi can cause the tyre to separate from the rim.

USE TRACTION MAT

If deflating tyres doesn't help you move your car out of the sand, try using a traction mat instead. While your car is slipping in the sand, traction mats give you a strong and sturdy surface to hold onto. You can use the following steps to use the traction mat.

• With the aid of a shovel, attempt to remove as much sand from the tyres as you can.
• Place the traction mat beneath the tyres after the sand has been cleared away.
• Start the car, then position it on the mat.
• Drive slowly on the mat to get unstuck.

MAKE THE SAND WET

If the traction mat fails to free you from the trap, try wetting the sand. Keep extra water gallons with you for that so you won't need to utilize the ones you've saved for drinking. The sand becomes more cohesive and sticks together due to the water, making it easier to drive through.

USE THE SHOVEL 

If you're stuck in a deep sandpit, freeing your bogged wheels can require some extra effort. As we mentioned earlier, a shovel is a useful tool that can help you get your vehicle unstuck. You can use the following steps to unstuck your vehicle,

• Remove the sand from in front of each tyre by digging with a shovel.
• You must create a trail made of hard surfaces that extends the front of the tyre by at least a few feet.
• While cleaning sand, keep in mind that less sand will have less resistance which will help in moving your car out.

GET A TOW

Despite all your best efforts if still your vehicle is bogged in the sand, then you should take someone else’s assistance. If you are exploring the off-road sites near Dubai or Abu Dhabi then there is a high chance that you have other off-roaders around you.

You can ask for their assistance in order to get your vehicle out of the sand. In order to tow your vehicle, connect a rope and a tow strap between both vehicles, and then ask the rescuer to use their vehicle to pull the stuck vehicle out.

ADDITIONAL TIPS 

• In case of a stuck car, never turn the wheels.
• An old trick that can be used is shaking the vehicle.
• Do not rotate the tyres quickly. They might rupture. Keep an eye on the car's speedometer and don't go faster than 50 km/h.
• To clear the area surrounding the front wheels, turn the steering wheel from left to right.
• Alternate between first, second, and reverse gears while minimizing wheel rotation at the front.
• While changing gears, let off of the accelerator pedal and lightly press it to engage.

How To Avoid Getting Your Vehicle Stuck

See the advice listed below to improve your chances of staying out of your car.

• Don't move forward too hastily. Use low gear in mud. In other words, the gear should be lowered when the mud is thicker.
• The car tyres need to be moving; otherwise, they will become stuck.
• It would be wise to slightly lower the tyre pressure if you were going to drive your automobile through sand, especially if it was beach sand or sand dunes.

Maintaining your composure and staying calm is the key to such situations. Always bring along emergency supplies. Be cautious if you are familiar with the area. Bring friends with you or be mindful of the restrictions of your vehicle. Before leaving the area where you are safe, wait for the wet mud to dry.

Emergency numbers to call if stuck in the desert:

If you find yourself stuck in the desert during an off-roading adventure in the UAE, it's important to know who to call for help.

• Abu Dhabi Police No. : 999

• Dubai Police No. : 04 229 2222

Conclusion

Choosing the right tyres for your off-road adventure is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you're tackling sand dunes or rocky terrain, having the appropriate tyres can make all the difference in your vehicle's performance and overall experience.

At PitStopArabia, we understand the importance of having the right tyres, and we offer a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. So, before you embark on your next off-road journey, be sure to visit us and equip yourself with the best tyres for the job.