Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle)

Pulling a stuck vehicle

Pulling a stuck vehicle

WARNING

To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when recovering a stuck vehicle:

● Contact a professional towing service to recover the vehicle if you have any questions regarding the recovery procedure.
● Attach recovery devices only to main structural members of the vehicle or the recovery hooks.
● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
● Only use devices specifically designed for vehicle recovery and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
● Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull at an angle.
● Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except the attachment point.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use a tow strap or other device designed specifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery device.

Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing or vehicle recovery.

Rocking a stuck vehicle

WARNING

● Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure:

1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System (VDC).
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.

● Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R and D.
● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55 km/h).

5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service to remove the vehicle.

    See also:

    Drive belt
    1. Power steering oil pump 2. Alternator 3. Drive belt auto-tensioner 4. Crankshaft pulley 5. Air conditioner compressor WARNING Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position bef ...

    General maintenance
    General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal dayto- day operation. They are essential for proper vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to perform these pro ...

    Tire chains
    Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are the proper size for the tires on your ...