5 things you must do when driving on a rough road for long distances

1. Drive as slowly as possible but as fast as necessary

This pretty much goes for any poor conditions, whether it’s weather or the roads themselves. When potholes are a concern, you’re likely to do damage to your tyres, shocks, suspension or alignment. That’s just a long way of saying, if you’re forced to drive on an extremely rough road, do so slowly.

Fact is, you can drive at higher speeds (20 to 30 kph) over most gravel roads. Just watch for the pebbles, and respond accordingly.

Sometimes the little pebbles look harmless but it can be deadly. What makes them hazardous to your tyres is that they are embedded. Unlike gravel, which is loose and gets kicked away, some larger pebbles stay poised like sharp daggers.

If you hit larger sharp stone while going more than 15 kph, with tyres aired down to dirt and rock range (15 – 18 psi), you can cut the tyres badly. On top of that, you usually cut the back tyre before you can stop.

2. Bring emergency equipment  

Wouldn’t it be terrible if you were driving on a terribly rutted road, popped a tyre, and then didn’t have the necessary equipment to get yourself back on the road again? Here’s your short little list: a tyre jack, a shovel, jumper cables, a spare tyre, a cell phone and a first-aid kit.

3. Don’t drive on the rough roads. Okay, this is assuming that there is an alternate route you can take that doesn’t require you to drive on rough roads. If you’re able to give yourself a little extra time and enjoy the smooth roads while everyone else rides the rutted rails, why wouldn’t you?

4. Keep a steady throttle when going uphill

Driving uphill on extremely rough terrains presents its own challenges. A good, steady throttle is most effective. You’re going up against gravity. If you ease up and lose momentum, then throttle up again, you’ll spin and kick up stones.

5. Double or triple the interval between you and the other vehicle

If the vehicle ahead starts spinning and throwing rocks, your windshield could get damaged severely. (Of course, if you’re towing, you don’t have a choice.) Always keep ample distance between vehicles.

Sources: AA