To free wheels stuck in deep snow, mud, or sand, you usually should

• A. Rocking the vehicle
• B. Pushing the vehicle from behind
• C. Shaking the steering wheel from side to side
• D. Lifting the vehicle with a jack

Answer: (C)

Changing steering direction while you rock helps the tires find traction. Shaking the steering wheel from side to side alters the tire contact patch, so the tread can bite into different spots in snow, mud, or sand instead of spinning on the same patch. That small steering input, used with gentle rocking, lets the vehicle gradually free itself as grip is found. Other approaches don’t address traction as effectively or can be unsafe—pushing from behind can be dangerous, lifting with a jack doesn’t solve the grip issue, and rocking straight back and forth is less likely to break free. If you’re not moving after a few tries, stop and seek help.