DRIVING TIPS

Let’s talk about mudding

If someone asks you if you want to go mudding, you and your vehicle are about to get dirty. Mudding is an off-road pastime for truck and SUV drivers, a down and dirty adventure through bogs, fields, streams, lakeshore and lakebeds. Mudders, or people who go mudding, love all kinds of mud, from thick clay to slick muddy water. If mudding sounds like it’s for you, you’ll want to make sure you have a few things before you dig in.

Pack your stuff because we’re going mudding

Before you take on the mud and muck, here are a few things you’ll need:

The Right Vehicle: at Cooper, we’re all about “do” not “don’t.” That being said, you don’t want to take the family sedan mudding. The best vehicles for mudding are 4x4 trucks or SUVs.

The Right Tires: you’re not going to have a good time in the mud without traction. Make sure you get tires with aggressive treads with deep and wide channels or grooves that can grip and claw through mud.

The Right Gear: make sure to bring safety equipment. It’s always a good idea to have a winch, or have another vehicle come along, to pull you out of a sticky situation.

The Right People: friends don’t let friends go mudding alone. Use the buddy system! There’s a chance you might to get stuck in the mud. So, bring someone who can help you out. If that’s not possible, make sure someone knows your travel plans and location for the day.

Driving in the mud is fun

Before you start tearing through the mud, be sure you know what you’re getting into. Here are a few things to think about:

Check the terrain. Use a stick to check mud depth and feel for rocks.
Use 4-wheel drive to help power through trails.
Don’t forget your windshield wipers. Replace them if they’re old, and keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with the right type of fluid for your climate. It’ll be easier to see what’s in front of you.
Stay steady on the gas.

Getting stuck might happen

While you’re mudding, you might get stuck. Here are a few suggestions to get you moving again:

Turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly to get some grip.
Alternate between forward and reverse to gain momentum.
Use a winch to pull your vehicle out of the mud.
Put solid and dry objects under the vehicle for extra traction.
If you do get stuck, remember not to spin your tires too fast. Spinning your tires too fast can be dangerous. Excessive tire spinning can literally cause your tire to explode. To avoid this use a winch to pull your vehicle out of the mud. This will avoid potential damage to your tire or vehicle and possible personal injury.

There you have it! You know what it takes for a successful mudding adventure. It’s time to get dirty.