Gravel driveway and corrosion

[idenphones]

My next door neighbour just had to have his car, a 2007 Chevy, repaired due to excessive corrosion of the brake and fuel lines.

The mechanic told him that his gravel driveway was at least contributing to the problem due to the gravel retaining moisture and giving off some sort of gas.

I hope he is wrong as our driveway is gravel as well and the coach is parked there most of the summer.

Does anyone know if there is any truth to this? I just looked at the underside of our 2009 Simba and except for a little mud and a very small amount of surface rust on a few bolts etc. all looks normal.

[srydve]

I am doubtful that gravel caused his car to rust. The biggest causes of rust are a moist climate and salt. In areas where salt is used on winter roads it helps to keep your car clean and vent holes (inside fenders etc.) clear.

[gklehner]

Always some interesting ideas out there, usually there was a coincidental incident that developmented into an urban myth.
Actually, if the gravel is limestone based and you are in a heavy industrial area where rain tends to be acidic, you could get an accelerated corrosive environment. Although not enough to be noticable on something as short lived as any vehicle. Bottom line - your gravel isn't gassing off to the point of causing corrosion.

[donandmax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by idenphones My next door neighbour just had to have his car, a 2007 Chevy, repaired due to excessive corrosion of the brake and fuel lines. The mechanic told him that his gravel driveway was at least contributing to the problem due to the gravel retaining moisture and giving off some sort of gas. I hope he is wrong as our driveway is gravel as well and the coach is parked there most of the summer. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this? I just looked at the underside of our 2009 Simba and except for a little mud and a very small amount of surface rust on a few bolts etc. all looks normal.

I think the mechanic is "balmy"

[Kurmudgeon]

I suspect the "mechanic" has a brother in the paving business.

JP

[Ray,IN]

It can happen although very seldom. Any dirt/sand/fine gravel, can collect on top of, and between things. This holds moisture for a very long time, resulting in corrosion. For an automobile the solution is to frequent an automated car wash that incorporates an under-body wash,to keep most debris from accumulating.

[sc3283]

an auto sits lower as compared to an RV...so less air flow underneath an auto as compared to an RV. Anytime moisture is allowed to radiate upwards...it can tend to increase rust/corrosion as compared to asphalt or concrete. Now did the gravel really cause his problem? most likely not

[Mr_D]

I've been storing our 2002 DSDP on gravel since it was new. No corrosion noted other than what would be normal for a 9½ year old rig driven in the rain around here.

[mr300ce]

Quote: The mechanic told him that his gravel driveway was at least contributing to the problem due to the gravel retaining moisture and giving off some sort of gas.


Me...ASE Master Automotive Technician for 27 years. And I thought I had heard them all.

I also lived in Florida for 7 years, in Cocoa Beach. Salty air and water will corrode your vehicle.

I worked on Space Shuttle program for many years, and corrosion prevention was an issue that I was involved with. Vehicle manufacturers use corrosion preventative processes to help the parts withstand the weather.

Parking on outgassing gravel...causing corrosion on your parts....

[Wayne MD]

That mechanic had to be selling something, or drinking something.

[mahon1993]

Was the driveway treated with dust control like calcum chloride? Or do you live on a gravel road that is treated? Calcum chloride is a salt.
Greg

[blackf3504dr]

I suspect the calcium chloride used on the roads in winter is the culprit not the gravel driveway...

[slickest1]

I think the mechanic was Gassed!!!

[melvonnar]

I want some of the stuff he's smoking