Would you drive on gravel?

6MT

After the winter up here, you have no choice but to drive in gravel. It lasts until early May. Really sucks!

__________________
Andrew

2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold
2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

rebe945

No way . no how. find new friends or a car

mick

I know what exactly you mean. I got killed on my last trade in too (probably happens everyone who trade in their cars), but unfortunately i can't change my behavior

BigT

I take the long way to work when in the Z as to avoid this same situation.

And, the stock tires pick up pebbles even in 15 degree weather. Even, when going 15mph. (reason why I take the long way)

Vbp6US

I would avoid it. The gravel can kick up and give you paint chips but to me, more importantly, the excess dust will find its way in crevices which would stay clean otherwise. I know because I used to drive my car (not a Z) through areas like what you described and it didn't end too well. It makes you lose the "new" car feeling and allows you to justify trashing it faster too, imo.

While I won't say find new friends, I would say consider getting a cheap pickup. Sounds like you could use it.

IDZRVIT

I wouldn't hesitate to drive my car up a gravel driveway. Why? Because it's just a Z! Now if it were an original AC Cobra, I would still drive on gravel but a bit slower.

__________________
"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

Augustus

All the time. It's a 370Z, not a Ferrari. You guys and your garage queen Z's

I live in the Midwest too and gravel roads are a fact of life around here. Sometimes it's a driveway, sometimes a section of a favorite paved road suddenly becomes gravel. Sometimes it's the only way to get to the party.

I've never noticed any problems with paint chips with any other cars from gravel roads, including a Solstice GXP that was lower than the Z. A gravel road will make a car dusty as hell, but thats the only "damage" I've ever experienced. Easily "fixed"; wash it!

Just take it easy; Don't peel out and spray rocks everywhere. Do not follow someone closely, as they can kick up rocks for quite a distance.

OTOH, I do avoid freshly tarred+chipped roads, as those suck because fresh tar will get thrown up onto the rocker panels and it's a PITA to remove.

PapoZalsa

__________________
2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

sonic370

well said! it's a high performance sports car have fun with it. don't get me wrong i take care of my car. since i took the hit on depreciation i'm getting my money's worth. i'm not saving it for the next guy. but slow down on gravel

brucelidat

I've driven it on some rocky turnouts and parking areas when I went to the Valley of Fire State park outside of Vegas. Made me nervous and I tried to avoid rocks that looked bigger than my tires are thick. Went slow and did fine, though I would definitely avoid it if I could.

__________________
Works Emotion CR Ultimate - FI CBE w/ 18" resonators - Ecutek - eibach sways - Quaife - FI LTH w/race cats - kw v3 - spl - Topgunz SC - 488whp 398trq

roplusbee

I have driven on gravel on base. Pretty unavoidable especially, if I didn't coordinate to go with someone to the designated meeting. I just go slow and take it easy. I hate going to the motorpool...............

__________________
2007 350Z NISMO #0618: Zerolift | UPREV | F.I. | Greddy | Competition Clutch | Injector Dynamics | Aeromotive | Pioneer | JL

mick

haha. my dad once told me, your car (370z) is like your 1/18th scale model toy cars, it never goes anywhere

Rockcrawler

Bingo. I've got a gravel horseshoe drive, slow speed, our tires=no issues. can't "hear it" get more stuff on the roads from dumptrucks etc.

__________________
2009 silver sport, 6MT touring and nav, 8700 miles when I got it, "almost" a daily driver now... bone stock aside from tint and Gemini CBE, PC'd Rays black stardust and running 275/295 DWS rubber

TheGreatOne

Not by choice but if I had to sure I would, super slow

It would just make my ears bleed the whole way.

My Z is my DD but I do try to avoid putting it in harms way when I can avoid it

__________________
2017 SUBARU STI
2008 E60 M5 - SOLD
2010 40th Anniversary 370Z - SOLD (and missing her)

alcheng

I remember those cobble stone roads in Montreal... my heart beat raise to the same rate as how's the suspension travel....

It is hard to avoid gravel or whatever "harmful" road surface, some don't care some do, I think we DO CARE A LOT because we want to keep our car in good shape and minimum damage.