ATV Stuck? Here's What You Need to Do
One of the appeals of using an ATV is that it allows you to get totally off the beaten path. Sometimes, though, getting off the beaten path can lead you to places where it's difficult to drive. When that happens, you might find yourself stuck in thick mud or brush, needing assistance. To help you get out of these sticky situations, the pros at Moroney's Motorsports have a few simple suggestions. For more information, check out our location in New Windsor, New York, serving Newburgh.
Don't Panic
If you find yourself stuck, the last thing you want to do is panic. If you panic, your most likely response will be to spin your ATV's wheels as you try and work your way free. Unfortunately, all this will do is allow your tires to dig further into the mud, making your situation more difficult. A great way to avoid panic is to make sure you have a fully charged cell phone or walkie-talkie with you so that you can summon help if the self-rescue methods in this article don't work.
Pull Yourself Out
To get your ATV out of the mud and muck, your most important ally is leverage. To gain leverage, you'll need either a winch or come-along. Both of these tools allow you to attach to nearby anchor points so that you have something solid to pull against when you rev your engine. A winch is the most effective tool for this job since it automatically keeps tension on the cable while you're working your way out of the mud. A come-along can be effective, as well, except that you'll have to provide all of the energy to pull your ATV forward.
Dig Yourself Out
Without straps or an anchor point, pulling yourself out of a sticky situation will be quite difficult. That doesn't mean you're out of options, though. With a folding shovel, you can dig down to harder ground so that you can find the traction you need to move forward. You can also use a shovel to help you dig out of deep snow if you're using your ATV during the winter.
Rock Yourself Out
Another important component of getting yourself unstuck is momentum. If you can build enough forward momentum, the laws of physics will ensure that you're able to free your ATV. The easiest way to gain forward momentum, other than using a winch, is to rock your ATV back and forth using your own body weight. Every time you lean forward, the potential energy of your ATV will increase, ensuring a clean getaway.
A well-serviced ATV is much more likely to get through rugged terrain successfully. At Moroney's Motorsports, we can take care of all your ATV sales and service needs. To learn more, visit us at our store in New Windsor, New York, serving Newburgh.