How Often Should You Service a Car Driven on Gravel Roads?

Check your handbook for severe conditions

Most owner's handbooks list two service schedules: normal and severe. Regular driving on dusty or unsealed roads, towing, and lots of short trips often fall under the severe schedule, which means shorter intervals for oil, filters and inspections.

Many vehicles around Buchan spend a lot of time on gravel, so it is worth checking which schedule applies to yours.

What gravel is hard on

Dust and corrugations mainly affect:

• Air filters, which can clog much faster in dusty conditions
• Suspension bushes, shock absorbers and steering joints
• Tyres, from stone cuts and sidewall damage
• Wheel alignment, after hard hits on potholes
• Radiators, which can collect dust and debris

Signs to book in sooner

New rattles or clunks, the steering pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear or a warning light are all reasons to have the vehicle checked before the next scheduled service. When you book, tell the workshop how much of your driving is on gravel.