Miata Mailing List: October 1993, Message #209
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   From: "Kate W. Hughes 222-3861" 
Subject: Miatas on the gravel roads
   Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1993 12:07:06 -0400

    In answer to some earlier comments on gravel driving.....(who'd-a thunk 
    I'd be an expert? ;-} )
    	I have two schools of thought; it depends on my mood which I 
    choose (and also the fuel level in the respective vehicles). 
    	One school is Matt's let-out-a-"yeeee-haaaw"-and-peg-it theory, 
    which is a lot of fun but is best on dirt or "field" gravel (round 
    pebbles).  The car corrects it's steer very nimbly with throttle 
    adjustments, and you can really kick up some dirt and stay on the 
    street.  This can be bad on your paint, though, and can also scare the 
    life out of oncoming drivers who don't know you're going to miss them.  
    Just plain dirt roads are easiest on the paint.  If you have sharp 
    stones (freshly graded or crushed) in the road, you risk sidewall 
    damage by driving like this, because your tires can roll over as you 
    slide through the corner.  And if the dirt is wet, you might as well 
    slow down and drive like a beginner 'cause you'll not be able to 
    correct in the width of the road.
    	The other school is paint-protective (and life- and driving 
    record-protective).  If you're sliding, then you're probably kicking 
    gravel at your paint.  Drive at a speed low enough to stay in control.  
    IMO, that is done in the highest gear possible so you don't over-torque 
    in the corners, creating a slide where none existed.  Or, leave the 
    Miata at home and take the explorer with the mud tires and don't worry 
    about staying on the road.
    
    Kate
    '91 Mariner Blue
    "On the road, off the road... it's a vicious cycle"