Last Updated on May 16, 2023 by Jess
In a perfect world, every road would be flat and smooth. But as you probably know, our world is anything but perfect.
Drivers should be prepared for different road conditions, especially if their adventures take them off paved roads. And you could end up on a washboard road.
If you plan to explore remote areas where pavement ends, you’ll want to be more aware of and familiar with these roads. This way you can enjoy your adventures and avoid dangerous situations.
So how do you drive safely on a washboard road? Learn more here!
What is a washboard slope?
A washboard road is an unpaved roadway, usually made of dirt or gravel, with undulations or ridges on the surface.
These roads get their name because they resemble old-fashioned washboards that were used to wash clothes. They are commonly found in rural areas, national parks, and other areas with dirt roads.
Drivers unfamiliar with these road conditions may find them challenging, especially if their vehicle has low ground clearance. They can damage a vehicle’s suspension and other vital components. To avoid damage to your car or trailer, you need to know how to drive on such roads.
What makes a washboard runway?
Washboard slopes often occur on unpaved surfaces. Factors that cause uneven roads include increased vehicle traffic, speeding drivers, heavy vehicles, and excessive moisture on the surface.
Usually, a combination of these factors over a period of time leads to the development of washboard roads.
Unfortunately, repairing a washboard slope can be very labor intensive. Grading is required to smooth the road surface.
Watering and graveling are regular maintenance tasks that must be performed occasionally. In some areas, vehicle traffic, especially heavy truck traffic, is restricted to avoid potential problems with washboard roads.
Why are washboard roads dangerous?
Driving on a washboard road can be very dangerous, especially if it catches you off guard.
These road conditions can cause the entire vehicle to vibrate and reduce traction. This can make it extremely difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially when driving fast.
Another danger of a washboard road is the damage that can be done to a vehicle. Impacts from the road surface can damage the suspension, tires, and other major components.
This can lead to costly repairs and increase the risk of a mechanical breakdown, which is the last thing you want to experience in a remote or isolated area.
Tips for driving on a washboard road
Driving on a washboard track can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
There is a good chance that you will encounter such roads while driving. Therefore, you need to know how to deal with them if you want to get to your destination safely.
Let’s take a look at some tips for driving on a washboard road!
Drive slowly
When you encounter one of these roads, the first thing you need to do is slow down. This will help you maintain control of your car and reduce the risk of an accident or damage to your vehicle. How fast you drive depends largely on the road in question.
If you have difficulty maintaining control of your vehicle or if the ride is too rough, you are probably driving too fast. Driving slower will increase your driving time, but you can avoid worse.
It pays to be a few minutes late to avoid an accident or damage to your vehicle.
Maintain a steady speed
As mentioned earlier, your speed will depend on the driving conditions. However, you should maintain a steady and constant speed.
Avoid accelerating and braking hard, or you may lose control of your vehicle on the bumpy road.
While cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed on the highway, you should not use it on these roads. The last thing you want to do as a driver is lose control of your vehicle when cruise control is engaged. This could send you into a ditch or a dangerous structure on the side of the road.
If you must adjust your speed, do so wisely. Do not make sudden changes in speed. This can help you maintain control and avoid a serious situation.
Pro Tip: Driving too fast in your RV can be dangerous! Before you get behind the wheel, learn about the speed ratings for RV tires.
Keep a safe distance from others
Whenever you are faced with adverse driving conditions, such as on a washboard track, you must give yourself and other drivers adequate space.
Driving on such surfaces can be challenging and cause anxiety for some drivers. You never know how you or other drivers will react to the unpredictability of these roads.
In addition, braking distance is drastically increased compared to driving on paved roads. You can’t always stop quickly on a washboard road, especially with a large vehicle or trailer.
While you normally leave two or three car lengths between you and other vehicles, you should increase that distance on a washboard road.
Do yourself and other drivers a favor, give them room, and adjust your speed accordingly.
Air on the tires
Inflating tires is widely used in the off-road community. This helps to improve traction, provide a smoother ride and reduce damage to the vehicle.
Many drivers who frequently travel in adverse road conditions carry a tire deflator on their keychain or in their glove box. This allows them to quickly and precisely adjust the air pressure in their tires to the prevailing conditions.
In this case, however, it’s important to put air back in your tires as soon as it’s safe to do so. Low air pressure in the tires can affect stability and increase tire wear.
If you drive on paved roads with low tire pressure, you risk serious damage to your tires and possibly a blowout.
Use 4WD
If you drive a vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD), this can be helpful on a washboard track.
Four-wheel drive on a vehicle can provide better traction, especially when driving uphill or on steep slopes. As with driving on snow, all-wheel drive can be helpful in certain circumstances. However, it is not necessarily always the best option.
It is not very helpful for handling and stability. You still have to reduce speed to compensate for unstable conditions. If you are not yet familiar with the all-wheel drive or its advantages, this is probably not the best time to test it.
Remember: Have you ever driven on the most dangerous road in the United States? Click on the link to find out!
Safe driving on bumpy washboard tracks
Driving on bumpy washboard roads can be challenging and somewhat intimidating. However, if you follow the tips we’ve shared with you today, you can probably handle them with ease.
The most important thing is to reduce your speed so that you can maintain control of your vehicle. Often, just letting off the gas pedal is enough to keep you and your vehicle safe on washboard roads.