View Full Version : Question about driving on dirt
plantdude
08-29-2009, 10:19 AM
I'm hoping to get some suggestions about the appropriateness and ability of my (new to me CPO) 2007 s-line on dirt roads. I am going on a road trip over labor day and there is a section of the trip that is an 8 mi dirt road (graded, but not really well-maintained). I am most worried about the 18" wheels not being able to handle the bumps and rocks, and the stiff s-line suspension getting destroyed or shaking the car to bits.
My last vehicle was a wrx wagon, which was more than able to handle such roads. Of course it had more clearance, smaller 16" wheels, and I was comfortable putting it through its paces on the roads it was designed for.
I feel like the A4 is totally capable of handling reasonable quality dirt roads (especially at low speeds), but I am worried that it will get really beaten up - especially the suspension and wheels (the paint and undercarriage are a different matter).
Does any one have any experience or thoughts on this? Thanks.
Stubek
08-29-2009, 10:44 AM
Just go slow and mind the road conditions
Jay B7
08-29-2009, 11:06 AM
I am assuming you have quattro? also, the wrx comes stock with mud guards whereas the audi its a hideous option. might want to consider those. Also, the audi can handle snow conditions with a breeze. i dont see why not a dirt road.
S4 BOOST
08-29-2009, 11:27 AM
^^ Agreed..
-Shane
alifelessplague
08-29-2009, 11:43 AM
quattro will handle dirt roads without a problem. just as well as a wrx would. just dont gun it or whip it around to hard if you're main concern is keepin the car clean. i dont think your wheel will get hurt at all, dusty and dirty thats all.
kannon
08-29-2009, 11:53 AM
i have to go on a bad dirt road once a month. car handles it like a champ.
Glassnpowder98
08-29-2009, 09:32 PM
About 2 years ago when I was still stock with sport suspension, my gps took me down a rutted dirt road, over a mountain pass (covered in 4 inches of snow on the way back), and through a West Virginia mountain village. It was a really fun and muddy ride and the car handled it like a champion. I saw only a few other cars, one being a B6 A4... Their nav probably took them through the "short cut" as well. Photo proof below.
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v200/162/121/31200492/n31200492_32324288_6253.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v200/162/121/31200492/n31200492_32324286_5667.jpg
Had to give her a nice bath afterwards...
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v200/162/121/31200492/n31200492_32324291_7139.jpg
windextor
08-30-2009, 01:09 AM
I live off a dirt road and there are huge holes and ruts and the car had absolutely no problem with it at all for months of driving on it...the car is a rally champ...just try not to jump it much [;)]
Tiny2000
08-30-2009, 03:39 AM
This car loves dirt and snow. Just try not to kick up rocks too much, your paint will thank you
Stubek
08-30-2009, 06:59 AM
About 2 years ago when I was still stock with sport suspension, my gps took me down a rutted dirt road, over a mountain pass (covered in 4 inches of snow on the way back), and through a West Virginia mountain village. It was a really fun and muddy ride and the car handled it like a champion. I saw only a few other cars, one being a B6 A4... Their nav probably took them through the "short cut" as well. Photo proof below.
Those pictures look like the roads I use to drive in upstate NY to and from work. About 5 of my 22 miles on my daily commute was dirt road.
To be honest, just take it easy, drive slow, be careful. After you do that, you will start to understand what the car can and cannot do. As everyone has said, these cars are champs and will handle. I was even doing the dirt roads at 60+ with K/W V.2 suspension and 18 inch wheels in the summer and all seasons in the winter.
Rotond0000
08-30-2009, 07:24 AM
Are you kidding me!!!! Quattro was born on dirt roads!!!
FIRE AWAY! hahah have fun, obviously if your talking dirt potholes i would watch out, but I think if your paying attention, you will be just fine! [drive]
I live on a gravel road. Quattro is made for unsealed road surfaces. Take it slow, or not... the car is going to feel like its moving around a little bit as all 4 corners work for traction, but it's always in control so have fun with it.
Zebman
08-30-2009, 08:51 AM
About 2 years ago when I was still stock with sport suspension, my gps took me down a rutted dirt road, over a mountain pass (covered in 4 inches of snow on the way back), and through a West Virginia mountain village. It was a really fun and muddy ride and the car handled it like a champion. I saw only a few other cars, one being a B6 A4... Their nav probably took them through the "short cut" as well. Photo proof below.
Annnnnnnd I drove roads like this all summer to go check people's oxygen concentrators out in the middle of nowhere.
Tip: going 60, jerk the wheel hard left while applying heavy throttle. Countersteer. [drive] Kidding, don't do this. Getting sideways on a dirt road is appealing though. Ever done it in an E-150 cargo van?[race]
Stubek
08-30-2009, 10:23 AM
Getting sideways on a dirt road is appealing though. Ever done it in an E-150 cargo van?[race]
Did this in ambulances that were built on E-350 chassis, quite a bit of fun!
Also converted by 93 Z-28 to a rally car after I got my A4....105 mph in an automatic on a dirt road with Blizzak tires, that was a wild ride!