If Your Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and carefully spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too firmly for traction control to free the vehicle, turn off the traction control system and use the rocking method. Refer to Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Free
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction control system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting and lightly press the accelerator pedal once the transmission is engaged. Slowly spinning the wheels forward and backward causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. If the vehicle does not come free after several attempts, it may be necessary to tow it. If the vehicle must be recovered, refer to Towing the Vehicle.
Test yourself
A quick GMC Terrain quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.