If The Vehicle Is Stuck - GMC Sierra Owner's Manual

222 Driving and Operating
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0 246.
Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 410. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See Climate Control Systems.
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0 238.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.

If the Vehicle Is Stuck

Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. See Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out later in this section.
The Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 248. If TC/ESC cannot free
the vehicle, see Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out following.