Gravel Road - Suggestions

[flyinverted]

Hey Guys,

This weekend I'll be going up to a family cottage on Prince Edward County in Canada for the first time, and to get to the cottage I have about 6km (4mi) of gravel road that I have to travel down. Looking for some suggestions on max speed, etc. from people who do this regularly and have managed to minimize paint damage, I'm already smart enough not to follow anyone down the road. I've driven other cars down gravel and usually accelerate until it sounds like it is about to do damage, then back off a bit. As much as I would love to 'rally' the car down this road, I just got the car and it's still my baby.

FYI I have Xpel Ultimate on the whole front (bumper, hood, fenders), and the rear bumper, so I'm thinking it shouldn't be too bad, but I'm still a bit concerned and would like to hear from others.

Thanks!

[suban]

If its only 4mi just go like 30mph. I drive lots of gravel @ 60+ with my pickup but in the s4 I dont go over 45

[MrFunk]

+1
If you just go 35 - 40 ish you should be fine... I used to have to drive several gravel roads in my previous car regularly and never got any rock chips. You will hear if you are accelerating too hard to driving too fast and kicking up rocks against the body. Expect a dusty car if the weather's been dry.

[Shaman]

Hah! I was born and lived in the County for 20 years. My mom and two of my aunts still live there. I wouldn't worry terribly about damage but unfortunately the right answer is: drive slow.

[iron_ring]

I would think speed is your main enemy for kicking up rocks into the wheel wells. I live on a dead-end gravel road and I crawl in first gear. Thankfully its only 500m or so from the paved road.

Unfortunately, there's not much you're going to be able to do if somebody goes bombing by you going the other way at 80 km/h and pelts you with gravel. Pull over as far as you can and hope for the best.

[Ryan_qttro]

Youtube Audi Pikes Peak, and go with that speed

[MacFady]

If you are really that worried and don't have splash guards then I would suggest just putting some painters tape on the panels behind the wheels. But honestly, I wouldn't even worry about it. I'd be more worried about the large pot holes you are inevitably going to have to navigate and avoiding the branches encroaching on the road.

[Audibot]

Ditto on driving slow and watching for potential pot holes. I've driven gravel at relatively high speeds with minimal issues, but then there are places like my parents driveway (600 yards), which I have to crawl along. Just take in the scenery! [:p]