Hi,
I am new to the forum and am looking at buying a 2001 911. I live down a 1/2 mile gravel road in the country. Other than having to wash the car more often; will this cause any problems driving on a gravel road ? Thanks for your replies..

 

Do you have gravel roads in NC? I thought that all was either sand or clay, as I recall from living there in the 80's. Rock chips abound and additional parts wear for a start.

 

zero problem.

 

IMS is more likely till go when it detects gravel under the tries.


Seriously though, just don't drive too fast and kick up stones.

 

It all depends on how fast you go. Slow and easy, no issues. Go fast and you will throw stones everywhere in the undercarriage.

 

just clean your rads every year. You will be fine. Don't get stupid and use a K and N air filter, Stick with the factory air filter. race filters are exactly that Race track filters. for some reason everyone thinks if it made for a race track it must be better. No they don't filter as well and this will be important as well as race materials are made for race-day, not everyday use.

 

Only half mile? No issues. It will give your P-car time to both warm up and cool down.

 

Maybe some 3M Clear Bra on the rear wheel arches ?

 

It will destroy your muffler seams for sure, ask me how I know. Especially with winter tires.

Also expect rust issues in the long run, there are several exposed spots in the rear wheel arch and the plastic pieces have a tendency to get loaded up with sand and crap. I had to rust proof front fender seams (under headlights), and the rear bottom wheel seam where the rockers meet the wheel well arch.

 

I had friend that used to live on a gravel road in Michigan and the only real issues I really encountered was the on coming traffic, usually was a farmer barreling down the road in his truck kicking up stones and dust.

 

Just don't let this effect your decision to buy a 996.
it is what it is. I feel kind of old school when driving on gravel

 

They are cars, they were meant to be driven. Contrary to popular belief, they also don't melt when driven in rain or snow.

 

OP, I see you live in NC...I'm in Charlotte...you?

 

Not so much "problems" per se, but you'll have to make adjustments to your driving style when you're on gravel, as peak grip will come at much higher slip angles than on asphalt. So, you'll need to hang your back end way way out when you take the corners and countersteer. Fun!



Real answer: yeah, it's a fancy marque, but it's still "just a car". Drive it like you would any other car. Just faster

 

I had my Boxster on gravel roads once or twice in the KC MO area (actually about 30 miles east of KC MO). I got to the end of the pavement and didn't want to turn around and back track. With other cars in the distant past I've driven on gravel roads quite extensively.

Go slow to avoid throwing up rocks and possibly damaging the exposed underbody painted surfaces. These are coated with a very durable/tough epoxy based paint and the other areas under the car are covered by tough plastic panels.

Do not follow any other vehicles too close. Watch out for road surfaces that get a crown in the center between the wheel/tire tracks.

Watch for debris on the road: limbs (came upon a downed limb that had pulled some wires down with it!), large rocks, animals, other traffic. Try to slow down even stop and pull over -- not too far or you'll get in what is usually a very soft and slippery shoulder -- to give the other vehicle plenty of room to pass and hopefully it will pass by you slowly.

If the road is dusty and you drive in the dust budget for more frequent engine and cabin air filter changes.

Give the car a good washing every once in a while and treat the underneath to a good rinsing with the garden hose to flush/rinse away any accumulation of dust/dirt.