Vehicle Recovery - The best way...

Vehicle recovery tracks are a great tool for getting an off-road vehicle unstuck. They provide traction in slippery conditions, and when used correctly, can save you from a long, frustrating wait for a tow truck.

What are Recovery Tracks?

Recovery tracks, also known as recovery boards or traction boards, are rigid platforms with raised cleats or nodules on their surface. They are designed to be wedged under a vehicle's tyres to provide a firm, non-slip surface for the tyres to grip. This increased traction allows the vehicle to move forward or backward out of the stuck position. They are typically made from durable, high-density plastics or reinforced polymers and come in various lengths and designs.

Using Recovery Tracks: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assess the situation. Before reaching for your recovery tracks, take a moment to evaluate why your vehicle is stuck. Is it bogged down in sand, mud, or snow? Are the tires spinning and digging deeper? Understanding the problem helps you use the tracks effectively.

2. Clear the area. Dig out the material (mud, sand, snow) from around the tyres and under the vehicle's chassis. You want to create a path for the tracks to be inserted and for the vehicle to move. Clear as much as you can from the front or back of the tyre, depending on which direction you're trying to move.

3. Position the tracks. Wedge the recovery tracks firmly against the tyres. The end of the track with the ramped edge should be pointed in the direction you want to travel. Push the tracks as far under the tyres as possible. You want to ensure the tyre makes full contact with the track's surface.

4. Engage the vehicle's traction. Once the tracks are in place, get back in your vehicle. Engage low-range gear and the differential lock if you have one. This will send equal power to all wheels and give you the best chance of moving.

5. Drive slowly and steadily. Begin to apply gentle, steady throttle. Avoid flooring the accelerator, as this will cause the tyres to spin and can damage the tracks or make the situation worse. The goal is to get the tyres to grip the tracks and lift the vehicle out of the rut.

6. Retrieve the tracks. Once you're on solid ground, drive a short distance away and then stop. This is to ensure you don't get stuck again in the same spot. Go back and retrieve your tracks. If you were stuck in mud, it's a good idea to clean them off before storing them.

Pro-Tips

• Don't spin your tyres. Tyre spin generates heat and can melt or damage the recovery tracks. It also causes the tracks to shoot out from under the vehicle, potentially hitting you or a bystander.

• Use a second set. If you're really stuck, using two sets of tracks (one for each tyre on the same axle) can significantly increase your chances of success.

• Secure them properly. When you're not using them, make sure the tracks are securely mounted to your vehicle. Many vehicles have dedicated mounting brackets for this purpose. If not, use a Wheeliams Recovery Track Mount as a convenient way to store recovery tracks on your spare wheel.

• Know when to call for help. Recovery tracks are powerful, but they aren't a miracle cure. If you've tried and failed, or the situation seems too risky, don't hesitate to call a professional recovery service.