Is your car stuck in sand? There’s no need to panic. Cut the engine and read on to find out how to get unstuck — and how to prevent it from happening again.
Whether you’re an avid beach camper or an overlanding enthusiast, you’ll need to know what to do if you find yourself bogged down in the sand. Use this guide to find out what you should do if your car is stuck in the sand — and how you can avoid getting stuck in the future — with help from Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi.
There’s no single reason that your car is stuck in the sand. There are many factors at play, including the sand conditions, how inflated your tires are, and your driving behavior.
Getting stuck is always a risk when driving off-road. However, you’re less likely to get stuck on packed sand or wet sand. Unpacked, loose sand will shift as you drive and can cause your tires to become stuck or blocked. If you get stuck and attempt to drive forward or backward, the spinning of your tires can displace more sand, causing your tires to dig in.
Tire inflation impacts the amount of surface area that makes contact with the road, and therefore how your tires wear and perform. In sandy conditions, a larger tire footprint is advantageous. Keeping your tires inflated to a lower psi can help prevent your tires from digging into the sand — but won’t work well on hard-packed sand or paved roads. We can help ensure your tire inflation is correct for your driving conditions and style, or hook you up with new, quality tires at Ed Hicks Nissan.
Finally, how you are driving can have an impact on whether or not you get stuck in the sand. Taking sharp turns and cornering can increase your chances of getting stuck, so whenever possible drive straight and follow in the tire tracks of those who’ve come before you.
First things first: if you find that you’re stuck in the sand, don’t continue hitting the gas. Give your engine a break to prevent overheating. Start by turning off your vehicle’s traction control, if applicable. Then, put your car in park and turn off the engine.
Next, get out of your vehicle and do a visual inspection. Determine whether sand is accumulating in front of your tires or behind them — this will determine which way you’ll need to attempt to pull (or dig) out.
Finally, examine your surroundings. Are there any well-worn paths nearby? Firm-packed sand or solid ground you can head to? If so, plot out your quickest, straightest path to solid ground.
Once you’ve figured out your best course forward (or backward), begin to dig out your tires. If you have one stowed away in your car emergency kit or offroading supplies, use a shovel. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and begin scooping sand with your hands. Ensure that you’re placing the sand you’ve dug out outside of your driving path — you’ll need a clear route forward or backward.
Create a packed surface to drive on. Use your shovel (or simply step on) the area around your tires to firmly tamp down the loose sand. If you have access to water — not your drinking supply — wet the sand to create traction and a more solid surface.
Driving forward is unlikely to be the best way to get your vehicle unstuck from sand — especially if the ground isn’t well-packed. If possible, reverse out following your previous tire tracks.
If the steps above aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to get creative.
Tow straps can help pull your vehicle out — so long as your assisting vehicle doesn’t get bogged down in the sand, too.
Is your vehicle fitted with an aftermarket winch? If so, now is the time to use it. Secure your winch to a stable, solid surface that can bear the weight of your vehicle. Then, recover your vehicle.
Gain traction by adding a car mat underneath your tires. Remove your car mat from your vehicle and place one end under your stuck tire with the rest extending outward in front of the tire. Then, slowly drive forward until you’ve come unstuck. Retrieve your car mat and drive toward solid ground.
Don’t have a car mat handy? Get creative! You can also use sticks, a blanket, cardboard, or a truck bed liner to add traction under your wheels.
If all else fails, call for a professional. A tow truck should be able to retrieve your vehicle from the sand and get you back on the road.
Don’t let your next adventure end up with your car bogged in sand. Here’s how to avoid getting your vehicle stuck in the sand in the future.
There’s always a risk that you’ll get stuck if you’re driving on sand. If you must drive on sand, keep to a well-traveled path that’s well-packed and relatively flat to prevent getting stuck.
Making turns can cause you to get stuck in the sand. Avoid making sharp turns and drive in a straight line whenever possible.
If you’re going to be encountering sandy conditions — or you’re heading out into the unknown — be sure to have the following gear stowed away:
Before you head off on your next adventure, make sure you have the gear and accessories you need. Shop tires, emergency kits, floor mats, and more online today at Ed Hicks Nissan to find high-quality parts and accessories designed for your vehicle. Visit the dealership to shop Nissan accessories in person or for help with installation!
