If the Vehicle Is Stuck

Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.

If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method.

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 55 km/h (35 mph).

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

Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out

Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. 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.

Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. 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. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle.

    See also:

    Other Navigation Services Available from OnStar
    OnStar eNav: Allows subscribers to send destinations from Google Maps™ and MapQuest.com to their Turn-by-Turn Navigation or screen-based navigation system. When ready, the directions will b ...

    Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inflate a Punctured Tire
    Follow the directions closely for correct sealant usage. When using the tire sealant and compressor kit during cold temperatures, warm the kit in a heated environment for five minutes. Thi ...

    Compact Spare Tire
    WARNING Driving with more than one compact spare tire at a time could result in loss of braking and handling. This could lead to a crash and you or others could be injured. Use only one compact ...