Stuck in a Pothole or Ditch on the Highway? What to Do
If you’re stuck in a pothole or ditch on the highway, avoid repeatedly gunning the accelerator to try to drive out — this usually digs the vehicle in further and risks additional undercarriage damage — and call for a recovery-equipped operator rather than a standard tow.
Why being stuck in a pothole or ditch on the highway is a different problem
A vehicle sitting on a road surface can be towed conventionally . A vehicle that’s dropped into a ditch or is wedged at an angle needs winching equipment to be pulled out safely first — attaching a standard tow rope to a vehicle at the wrong angle can cause real damage to both vehicles.
Check for fluid leaks before doing anything else
If you can see fuel, oil, or coolant pooling under the vehicle, turn off the engine completely and avoid running it further, even to try reversing out.
Don’t attempt a DIY extraction with a rope and another vehicle
This is a common instinct, especially on rural stretches where another driver offers to help pull you out. Without the right equipment and angle, this risks damaging both vehicles and, in some cases, injuring anyone standing nearby if a rope snaps under tension.
This is exactly what vehicle recovery service is for
Jhatpat’s recovery service uses winching equipment specifically for this — vehicles stuck in ditches or off the road surface, which is a genuinely common call during monsoon season when shoulders soften and visibility of the road edge drops.
If you are currently facing any trouble, get in touch with us through our Home page or call us below.
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