Driving on a gravel road differs from asphalt: grip is lower and more variable, braking distances are longer, and stone chips can damage vehicles. With the right technique, you can drive predictably and safely.
Key principles
- Slow before bends and crests
- Do most braking before the bend
- Increase following distance to allow for longer stopping distances
- Smooth steering, throttle and brake inputs to avoid wheelspin and skids
- Choose the firmest track where possible
Speed and distance
| Condition | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, firm gravel | Moderate speed, +1 s time gap | Lower friction than asphalt |
| Loose/roughed gravel | Lower speed, +2–3 s | Longer braking distance, higher skid risk |
| Wet gravel | Strongly reduced speed | Slick surface, less grip |
See Speed and distance.
Braking and stability
- Brake in a straight line before the bend, ease off into the corner
- Avoid panic braking in bends; straighten first if possible
- With heavy braking: hold straight, look far ahead and steer gently
Modern cars have ABS; learn how it behaves on gravel. See ABS.
Line choice and visibility
- Pick tracks with less loose aggregate and fewer ruts
- Avoid large stones and the ditch edge to protect wheels and suspension
- Increase lateral spacing when meeting traffic to reduce stone chips
In poor visibility, reduce speed, use correct lights and keep windows clean. See Using lights and signals.
Tyres and pressure
| Topic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tread and type | Good tread and correct seasonal rating |
| Pressure | Follow the vehicle spec for stability and grip |
| Wear | Uneven wear reduces grip on loose surfaces |