Chevrolet Silverado: Driving Information / If the Vehicle Is Stuck

Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out” later in this section.

The Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control can often help to free a stuck vehicle. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. If TC/ESC cannot free the vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out” following.

Warning

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h (35 mph).

For information about using tire chains on the vehicle, see Tire Chains.

Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out

Caution

Do not hold the steering wheel at full rotation for more than 15 seconds and/or at an elevated RPM. Damage may occur to the power steering system and there may be loss of power steering assist.

Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Then make sure the wheels are pointed straight ahead. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, shift into Four-Wheel Drive High. Turn the TCS off. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.

Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. See Towing the Vehicle. Recovery hooks can be used, if the vehicle has them.

Recovery Hooks

Warning

Never pull on recovery hooks from the side. The hooks could break and you and others could be injured. When using recovery hooks, always pull the vehicle from the front.

Caution

Never use recovery hooks to tow the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged, and the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

If equipped, there are recovery hooks at the front of the vehicle. Use them if the vehicle is stuck off-road and needs to be pulled some place to continue driving.