6 Ways Driving on Dirt Roads Affects Your Vehicle

Do you regularly drive on dirt roads? Aside from a "bumpier" ride, it can take a toll on your vehicle. Driving on dirt roads can wear down certain automotive parts while increasing the cost of maintenance. Here are six ways that driving on dirt roads can affect your vehicle.

#1) Increased Tread Wear

You may have to replace your tires more frequently if you drive on dirt roads. It will increase tread wear. Tires have grooves that allow them to grip the surface of the road for traction. Over time, these grooves will become shallower. Driving on dirt roads increased tread wear such as this, thus shortening the usable life of your vehicle's tires.

#2) Suspension Damage

Driving on dirt roads can cause suspension damage. Consisting of struts or shocks -- as well as other parts --suspension systems are designed to absorb the force of the road. Dirt roads are bumpier than paved roads. Driving on these rough, unpaved surfaces may damage your vehicle's suspension system.

#3) Body Damage

If you regularly drive on dirt roads, you should get into the habit of washing and waxing your vehicle. Otherwise, the dirt and debris particles from the road may damage your vehicle's body. As dirt accumulates on the body of your vehicle, it can create scratches. The dirt and debris particles may scratch the clear coat. If left unchecked, it may even scratch the deeper coats of paint.

#4) Poorer Fuel Economy

You can expect poorer fuel economy when driving on dirt roads. Some reports show that driving on gravel, dirt and other unpaved roads can reduce fuel economy by as much as 25%. Your vehicle will have to burn more gas to move on dirt roads. Therefore, you may have to fill up the pump more often than you would when driving on paved roads.

#5) Filter Changes

Your vehicle's filters may require changing more frequently if you regularly drive on dirt roads. Cabin air filters and engine air filters, for instance, are particularly susceptible to dirt roads. Cabin air filters are designed to clean the air that enters a vehicle's interior or cabin. Engine air filters, on the other hand, are designed to clean the air that enters the combustion chamber of an engine. The air will be dirtier when driving on dirt roads, so you'll have to replace these filters more frequently.

#6) Fluid Leaks

Another way that driving on dirt roads can affect your vehicle is by increasing the risk of fluid leaks. Dirt and debris from the road can damage fluid-carrying hoses and the clamps used to hold them in place. If a hose is breached, it may leak fluid.