No matter how good a truck driver you are, you will probably get stuck at some point in your career. This usually occurs when driving on very soft sand, mud or snow.

So, what do you do if your big rig gets stuck? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get moving again.

Rock it!

An effective method of getting your rig unstuck is to try to set up a gentle rocking movement by simultaneously engaging the clutch and feathering the fuel at the same time.

The back and forth motion can often move the truck forward or backward just far enough that it hits a spot where the wheels can pick up traction, getting you moving again. However, this method only works with a manual transmission rig. If you truck has an automatic gearbox and wide, single drive tyres, this technique won't get you moving again.

Tow truck solution

If push comes to shove and you can't get your rig moving again, you should call a professional tow truck company to come and shift you. Although this will incur expense, it will guarantee that you will be unstuck and won't risk damage to your vehicle.

Chains

If you come out in the morning after an overnight stop to find yourself stuck in deep snow in a car park, you can get yourself moving again by chaining up your rig with snow chains. Always have chains in your rig just in case, and make sure you're practised in applying them.

Note here that chains won't work in sand or mud.

How to avoid getting stuck in the first place

The best way to avoid becoming stuck is to avoid placing your rig in a situation where the worst could happen.

If you're unsure about the ground in front or behind you, always stop your truck, get out and inspect the area on foot before you drive over it. Avoid driving on soft ground at all costs!

If you're parking overnight in a snowy parking area, park for five minutes and wait in the cab while the tyres cool down. Once the tyres have cooled, move the truck forward or backward away from the spot you originally parked on.

After a few miles on the road, your tyres will be warm enough to melt the snow underneath them; the melt-water under the tyres freezes overnight, leaving you spinning your wheels when you try to move off in the morning. Moving your rig to a new spot when your tyres have cooled, effectively avoids this problem.