The surface of the desert is not consistent – some places are soft and others firm. The trick is discerning between the two because if you slow or stop in soft sand you are sure to get stuck. Then you either have to be towed out or endlessly twist the steering wheel while in reverse and maintaining 2,000 rpm. It might take you 10 tedious minutes to crab-walk 20 yards to firm sand. Do this once and you will never get stuck again. Of course, the desert conspires against you and you do get stuck again despite your best intentions.