Gravel is comprised of small rocks, pebbles, and stones. When lining a driveway, it sometimes provides a serviceable path between your garage and the road. However, gravel presents some unique dangers to any vehicle that travels across it—problems you won't find with an asphalt or concrete driveway. Below, learn more about the possible ways that gravel can damage your car.

How Gravel Damages a Car

1. Flying Rocks

The force and speed of a vehicle's tires can churn up gravel and send it flying into the air. This can produce scrapes and scratches in your auto paint and cracks or holes in your windshield, windows, or mirrors. Rocks can also get tossed into the undercarriage of the vehicle, becoming lodged in brakes. They’ll produce annoying rattle sounds and cause the pads to wear away faster.

2. Standing Water

Gravel forms into peaks and valleys that attract and hold water. During the winter, effectively shoveling snow from these spots is often a hassle. As well, when the snow melts, or it rains heavily, removing the water accumulation is virtually impossible.

All of this spells bad news if you park your car on gravel for any significant length of time. The sitting water will cause corrosion and rusting on the underside of a vehicle, eventually eroding all the inner and outer components of the car.

3. Holes

Dips and indentations are natural in a gravel driveway. With rain and snow, and regular vehicle use over time, gravel gathers into these ruts and holes. These formations make for an uncomfortable driving surface. Additionally, if you go too fast, or the hole is particularly deep, vehicle damage—including suspension issues and broken struts or shocks—can happen.

The best material for a driveway is asphalt or concrete. Neyra Paving has been serving customers throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area for more than five decades. They offer paving services, repairs, and sealcoating, as well as crack sealing. With exceptional workmanship and fair prices, they’re dedicated to providing you with surfaces that stand the test of time. Call (513) 733-1001 or visit their website to request a free estimate.