1997 Cadillac Catera Owner's Manual - Page 240

If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don't want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as "rocking" can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must use caution. I L NOTICE: - Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transmission back and forth,you can destroy your transmission. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see "Tire Chains" in theIndex. If you let your tires spin at hig: ;peed, they can explode, and you or others could beinjured. And, the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can overheat. That could causean engine compartment fire or other damage. When you're stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't spin the wheels above35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right.That will clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn your traction control system off. (See "Traction Control System" in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see "Towing Your Catera" in the Index. 5-33