What You Need to Know Before Off-Roading in Mud

No matter whether you’re actively seeking muddy paths for fun or you want to be ready in the event you happen across a mire, we can help you get prepared. Review this guide from our team at Cumberland Customs, and then stop in during our hours of operation to get your vehicle equipped for these challenging roads. 
Tools to Bring Along
Before you head out mudding, swamping, or off-roading after a significant rain storm, it’s wise to make sure you have the equipment to get out of trouble. You’ll want to stow several items, starting with tire patches, wrenches, and a jack, all of which can be used to swap out of a flat. Having a portable air compressor is also a good decision. Like off-roading in other circumstances, you will want to keep a shovel around to help place a set of recovery boards or clear off the tire surface. Drivers should also make sure they have recovery straps so that their vehicle can be rescued in the event that they get stuck. 
Tire Tread Considerations
Aside from the equipment stored in your vehicle to help you get out of a muddy rut, you also need to purchase the right tires. We offer a number of wheel and tire combinations that are rated for off-roading in the mud. Specialized mud-terrain tires, often listed as M/T, are specially designed to traverse sloppy paths. They feature large tread blocks that give the tire a better chance of digging into the mud and reaching a surface that it can use to move your vehicle forward. At the same time, many mud-specific tires are designed to expel material as they spin, preventing them from becoming laden with muck. You’ll also discover that the tires usually have special reinforcements, especially in the sidewalls, to reduce the chances of them taking damage as you travel. Don’t forget that we can also apply lift kits to your vehicle to give you better ground clearance to help prevent underbody damage. 
Driving Tips and Techniques
Just as when you’re traversing sand, you’ll need to use your manufacturer’s guidance to lower the air pressure in your tires to an acceptable level. That way, they can provide a larger surface area to get traction. When traveling on a worn path, try to keep the existing ruts to keep your stability. Doing so is especially important when traveling uphill or downhill, as the ruts will act as guardrails. Also, if you have Hill Descent Control in your vehicle, allow it to work without accelerating or braking. Another driving technique to remember is that you want to utilize steady throttle and momentum to cruise, and you want to move in a single direction as much as possible. In other words, don’t try to approach a muddy incline on an angle, or you may find yourself moving unpredictably. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn how we can prepare your car for traveling in mud in off-road areas. 

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