If you are a self-respecting pickup trucks lover, you've probably got a stash of high-tensile ropes or cable, towing winches, carabiners, and hooks stashed in your truck or shed. These, of course, represent your redeeming grace in times of adversity, such as becoming stuck in mud or sand when exploring.

What are recovery tracks?

While the concept of towing a movable object date back to vehicles, 4WD recovery tracks are a fairly new consumer product. 4WD rescue tracks come in a range of sizes and designs, but they all have three things in common:

The grip side is prickly and somewhat curved, as well as the bottom is thick and flat (to keep basic integrity while supporting heavy vehicles).

The item itself resembles a little toboggan, with projecting spikes and ribbing on one side and an almost flat base on the other. While they may appear strange (and perhaps terrifying to some), the layout is purpose-built; each feature serves a specific purpose, which we shall discuss next.

What are your strategies for utilizing recovery tracks?

When your vehicle becomes stuck in a trail, get out and inspect the situation. Most likely, your tires have made a deep mark on the bumpy track and are whirling endlessly in the muck.

Don't be concerned. This is perfectly normal!

Measures to go after when improving your 4WD using recovery tracks

• Use the flat surface of your recovery tracks as a scoop to clean any impediments or soft, mucky ground from the afflicted wheels.
• Turn your recover tracks over and squeeze the grip side between your wheels and the issue surface once you've cleared enough room for your wheels to move ahead. Please ensure the tracks are parallel to the wheels and pointing in the way you wish to go.
• Maintain your 4WD in lowest gear and carefully crank the pedal at this point. When you're at this point, the last move you want to do is slam on the gas, spinning your tires on the 4x4 recovery tracks, and causing extra damage to your vehicle. Stop, readjust the track, and begin again if you think your tires are spinning. Once you notice your tires have "bitten" into the track, gradually move and maintain this power until your truck is free!

What are the advantages of recovery tracks?

It's all fun in the 4WD experience to get stuck in mud or get stuck in sandy ruts. Sure, you could use a towing winch or a chain link to get yourself out of a jam, but this usually necessitates the usage of another 4WD capable of taking on the car in crisis. Furthermore, depending on how stopped you are, hauling your vehicle can put additional strain on your suspension.

You can employ recovery track alternatives, but you risk destroying or breaking the replacement track (which may be a bridge ladder, ramps, spare wheel, or even a large boulder). In the worst-case situation, your tires may be damaged due to a lack of adequate cleats or ribbing.

The main objective of 4WD recovery tracks is to get you freed in the easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way imaginable. If you think about it, when you rely on “towing” to help you out of difficulties, you might burn through all the gasoline and put more stress and strain on two 4WDs.

If you try to save money by using recovery track alternatives, you risk damaging other pieces of equipment because they aren't constructed to carry big loads or don't have enough traction (which could also harm the grooves on your tires!).