My vehicle is stuck. What now? Tips Tips and hints Spintires MudRunner Guide
Last update: 08 December 2017
Avoiding being stuck in the mud is the main challenge and problem found in the game. You'll get stuck more than a couple of times. The roads in game are encroached in mud. The player can avoid being stuck by steering the vehicle away from the middle of the road and keeping close to the wayside. Alternatively, you can avoid using main roads and utilize various alternative paths. Some of the surfaces do not create mud (sandy roads without any water and/or mud) but can be mudded if, for example, you've encountered marshes or bogs, or have tumbled the ground using a heavy vehicle. Weaker vehicles will get stuck in the mud easily and won't be able to get past the course without a few tricks - if the cargo is heavy, always choose the most powerful truck.
This vehicle is stuck - your only hope is to get it out of the tough spot by using a different vehicle.
There are a few phases of a stuck vehicle which can be used to discern the current state of the danger. If you feel that your vehicle starts submerging instead of going forward, start using your countermeasures. If the wheels start rotating too fast, while the mud starts gushing to every side, it means that your vehicle is slowly submerging. Finally, if the mud manages to cover the wheels, it is almost certain that you won't be able to leave the area on your own.
How to get back on track
If your vehicle is partially submerged, proceed as follows:
- Activate the all-wheel drive. The front axle is almost always the reason why your vehicle has stuck. You can get past asphalt and sandy roads without resorting to the all-wheel drive, but mudded areas are almost unable to cross without activating such measures.
- Activate the differential lock. This option increases your maneuverability in mud, but may not result in additional horsepower.
- Start performing turns with your wheels. This simple trick may help you avoid being stuck - there is always a chance that you may reach a hidden stone inside the mud which will help you regain drivability. If you've managed to leave the mudded area, skip it and continue with your task.
- Switch to 1+ gear. +1 gear is a special high-torque gear activated manually by pressing "R'' and switching the gear using your mouse. Use it if your truck is heavily stuck (pressing the throttle doesn't generate any results) - your vehicle will gain additional horsepower, which may be just what you need to leave the chokepoint.
- Switch to reverse. Sometimes it is better to retreat and choose a different course than the one which is impassable.
- Use your winch. If the methods described above do not work, utilizing the winch is your last resort. Activate the advanced mode ("V") and choose the object to connect the winch to. You can attach the rope to trees or other vehicles. Hold "F" to start rappelling - press the throttle to make the process faster. This method can also be used to climb steep hillsides, save your vehicle from turning upside down or falling down from a chasm.
Do not drive in the same area which got you stuck. Your previous actions have created larger and deeper pools of mud that are difficult to get past.
Summon a rescue vehicle
Sometimes even all of the available countermeasures do not yield any result. In such cases, bring a second vehicle of the same class or one with a more powerful engine. Choose a vehicle without any cargo and/or has big wheels (e.g. K-700). Most of the time the hauling vehicle will be in front or in the back of the vehicle which you are trying to save. Make sure to place the hauling vehicle away from mud or any circumstances that may hinder the action. Activate advanced mode and connect the winch to the buried vehicle. In this case, the winch has two modes. The first mode is a standard pull - unfortunately, there is always a possibility that the rescue vehicle can also be pulled into the mud. Moreover, a completely submerged vehicle may be stuck so hopelessly that you may still not be able to get it out of the mud.
The second mode is the drive mode. The hauled vehicle will activate its engine in an attempt to move. Pressing "F" in this mode will make the vehicle accelerate, which should help you get it out of the dangerous situation. Drive as far as you can in order for the vehicles/trailers to leave the dangerous area, otherwise the back of the car will make further driving unbearable.
Tow the vehicle to a garage
Finally, you can simply haul a submerged vehicle to a garage. This option is available only in the casual mode - hardcore mode sees us haul vehicles on our own. Choose the submerged or damaged vehicle and press "F1" to activate the map. The option you are looking for is on the left side of the screen below the list of available vehicles.
Towing the vehicle enables us to save time and unnecessary nerves. Unfortunately, towing means you'll lose your cargo (loaded timber, fuel, garage points), forcing you to repeat the whole course. Moreover, you'll be taken to a nearby garage, which may not be the best solution e.g. there are only two active garages on the opposite sides of the map. Use wisely.