Gravel is a common paving material in driveways and rural roads; it’s affordable, strong, and offers fantastic drainage. However, this surface can do a lot of damage to your car, between the difficult handling and rocks that get kicked up from under the tires. Prevent an unnecessary visit to the auto body shop by adapting your driving style.

Auto Body Shop Guide for Safely Driving on Gravel

1. Follow at a Distance

When you’re traveling at high speeds on a gravel road, the vehicle in front of you may kick up a rock behind them. The flying debris will chip your windshield or damage your headlights. Increase your following distance to at least six seconds; when the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object, you should be able to count six full seconds before you pass it.

This will leave you safely behind any flying gravel and give you plenty of time to stop if the driver in front of you does something unexpected.

2. Avoid Sudden Movements

Gravel doesn’t provide the same level of traction that asphalt does. Reduce your speed, follow all speed limit signs, and make movements carefully to avoid skidding. If you do begin to skid, remove your foot from the brake or accelerator, then steer in the safest direction ahead of you.

3. Stay In Control

The gentle shifting of rocks means that you cannot rely on the vehicle moving consistently in the same direction. It may shift slightly from side to side as you drive, so keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and always pay attention to where you are. Stay on your side of the road, especially on those windy rural roads, since you may not see someone coming.

If your vehicle is damaged by gravel or in a collision, Valiante Auto Body will restore it in Norwalk, CT. This auto body shop works on vehicles of all types, makes, and models. Their skilled technicians can handle anything from a car dent repair to a large-scale repair with a new paint job. Learn more on their website, and call the body shop at (203) 847-3043 for an estimate.