I have to drive about 45 miles to work everyday. Most of it is freeway. I was think I have found a way that will save me 5-10 minutes there, but most of it is dirt roads. Is there anything too terrible about riding on dirt roads that much? Will it damage my car?
Bumps will increase suspension wear. Dirt will increase oil change frequency and air filter change frequency…and suspension lube frequency.
It’s not terrible…it won’t “damage” your car, but barring a study of the exact amount of wear, it probably is just slight/minimal.
Use your judgement. You can tell when you are being rough on your car, etc.
It depends on how much you love your car. If your car’s designed to take a beating, or you don’t mind it taking a beating, then check it out. It really depends on the road.
I used to live on dirt roads when I lived in Colorado. You typically can’t drive very fast on them because of the surface and the abundance of surprises (animals, newly fallen rocks and branches). They’re hard on your suspension. There are washboards in spots that may become worse over time. There’s always dust, mud, gravel, branches that scratch.
Have you tried it yet?