When Adventure Turns Into a Recovery Mission
Exploring Montana’s backroads is part of what makes living here special — until your tires start spinning and you realize you’re not getting out without help.
At Speed’s Towing, we’ve seen it all: cars buried to the axles in mud, trucks hung up on rocks, and snowmobiles that went a little too far off-trail. Knowing why vehicles get stuck can help you avoid a bad day — or at least know when it’s time to call for a professional off-road winch-out
1. Mud and Soft Shoulders
Montana’s dirt and gravel roads can turn into deep mud traps after rain or snowmelt. Vehicles often get stuck when one side slides into a soft shoulder or ditch.
Even four-wheel-drive trucks can sink fast once traction breaks, especially if tires aren’t designed for mud. Rocking the vehicle or spinning the tires usually makes it worse — you end up digging deeper.
If you’re already bottomed out or the wheels are just spinning, it’s safer to stop and call Speed’s Towing before you damage your drivetrain or axles.
2. Snow and Ice
Snow is easily the most common reason vehicles get stuck in rural Montana. Packed snow and hidden ice make it easy to lose traction, especially on shaded mountain roads or unplowed driveways.
Cars can slide off the shoulder, and even AWD systems struggle once the undercarriage gets high-centered on snow. If you’re sliding downhill or fishtailing on a back road, the best thing you can do is avoid overcorrecting and find a safe place to stop before calling a local towing and recovery team
3. Deep Ruts and Washed-Out Roads
After spring runoff or summer thunderstorms, backroads can wash out quickly. Deep ruts and uneven terrain can trap a low-clearance car or even a pickup with standard suspension.
If your wheels lose contact with the ground, you’re likely stuck. Rock-crawling your way out can cause serious undercarriage or tire damage. That’s when a winch-out or off-road recovery becomes the safest option.
4. Sand, Gravel, and Loose Rock
Montana’s riverbeds and dry creek crossings can look solid — until you drive across them. Loose sand and gravel act like quicksand under weight.
Momentum helps, but once you stop, tires dig in. This is especially tricky for ATVs, trailers, and campers. In these cases, using proper tire pressure and recovery boards can help, but calling professionals who handle rural towing and off-road recovery daily is the smart move.
5. Overconfidence in 4 Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive
Many drivers assume four-wheel drive means “unstoppable.” Unfortunately, it’s not a magic solution. 4WD helps with traction — it doesn’t stop you from sinking, sliding, or getting high-centered.
We see plenty of lifted trucks and SUVs needing recovery because the driver trusted their vehicle a little too much on rough or slick terrain. Knowing the limits of your rig — and when to back off — can save you time and money.
6. Getting Too Far Off the Trail
Sometimes people simply push too far. Whether it’s a narrow forest service road or an unmarked trail, one wrong turn can put you miles away from cell service.
If you’re venturing off-road, always tell someone your route, pack basic recovery gear, and save our number before you head out. That way, if you need off-road recovery in Missoula or anywhere in Western Montana, you can reach help fast.
6. Getting Too Far Off the Trail
If you’re stuck and unsure what to do:
- Don’t spin your tires — it just digs you in deeper.
- Check that your exhaust pipe isn’t buried (avoid carbon monoxide buildup).
- Use traction mats, gravel, or even floor mats under your tires if possible.
- Call a professional towing company experienced in off-road recovery and winch-outs
At Speed’s Towing, our recovery vehicles are equipped to handle mud, snow, steep grades, and tight spots where standard tow trucks can’t go.
Towing Help in Missoula, 24/7
- Accident recovery
- Light & Medium-Weight towing
- Off-road winch-outs & Heavy Duty Tows
- Roadside assistance across Western Montana
When to Choose Speed’s Towing – (406) 529-7801
Choose Speed’s every time if you want the best of both world’s. We offer 24/7 towing because we know Montanans can need the best towing services day or night, rain or chine. For a local, trusted, and experienced tow truck company Contact Speed’s Towing, and the decision becomes much easier.
