The snow is melting, the spring rains are falling, and chances are, plenty of trucks and cars will end up stuck in the mud this spring. Whether you’re trekking down a dirt road or have spun off the highway into a mud pit, these tips will help you get out of that mess and back on solid ground in no time.

Rock Out. You can attempt to “rock out” of the mud by keeping the wheels straight and lightly accelerating back and forth, between drive and reverse. As the wheels start to spin, quickly switch direction, rocking forward and back until you escape the ruts. If you can’t escape, and the ruts only continue to deepen, then try the next step.

Add Traction. Lay dry, solid objects beneath the edge of the tires in the direction you intend to go. Rocks, sticks, boards, gravel or floor mats work well. If you are already dug in up to the undercarriage, then use the vehicle’s jack to lift the tires off the ground. Remember to make sure that the jack is on solid ground, and never get underneath the vehicle while it is jacked up. Once it’s lifted, you can add the rocks, sticks, etc. underneath the tires to both add traction and lift the car out of the mud. It may also be necessary to add traction along the path of your escape route to ensure you will keep on rolling until the vehicle is on solid ground.

Deflate Tires. Use a tire pressure gauge to reduce air presssure. This will greatly increase the traction on mud and sand. Offroader.com recommends dropping between 18 and 20 pounds of pressure per square inch. Once you’re back on the road, don’t forget to re-inflate your tires as soon as possible.

Call for Help. If you have tried it all and are still stuck in the mud, it’s best to just call for help. Usually, a friend with a truck and tow strap is all you need. However, if you’re on your own then there are plenty of services available. Road assistance programs such AAA or Better World Club can get you out in a jiffy. Telematics systems such as GM’s OnStar may be an option. Some insurance policies include roadside assistance, or you can look up the number for a local tow truck service.