Welcome to the second part of my 4x4 driving tips. Last week we focused on sand. This week, we get down and dirty and talk MUD.

Mud, surprisingly, does actually comes in various types, from thick clay to slippery surface mud. As with sand driving, reduced tyre pressures and a low gear to give enough engine speed, and momentum are advised.

But be warned: Driving in first gear will cause wheel spin, resulting in less traction and momentum.

Before you drive through any mud, it is advisable to engage four-wheel drive and in really difficult sections, the diff locks.

It is also a good idea to inspect the mud beforehand to see if there are any rocks or holes that could damage your vehicle. Examine the terrain around you — if its rocky, there’s a good chance that there’ll be rocks in the mud too.

The time will come when you will become stuck. Take some time to work out why you're stuck and think of a possible plan to get you un-stuck. Dig away and sand and mud in front of the wheels. And place and objects you can under the wheels to gain traction. Eg: Sticks, rocks or your car mat.

If you can feel that the wheels are spinning, slow down accelerating. Let your tires get some traction. Of you could turn your steering wheel as far as you can in either direction to allow the tires' sidewall to get a foothold.

Pulling yourself ut of a sticky situation will requite some force in the form of a push or a tow rope, or, the easiest way, with a winch. Useful tools to take along are a tire gauge, compressor, decent tow rope and a shovel.