Steep entrance drive
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Steep entrance drive
Hi, our entrance drive to the house is very steep. VERY. So steep that if you stop at the top to look each way at the wrong point the wheels on a two wheel car simply spin. You have reverse down and try again. Does anyone know of any studs or other raised surface which would give a LOT OF EXTRA Grip? A past owner did make a few ruts in the concrete but it makes no difference.
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Re: Steep entrance drive
4x4, the only answer! Physics not on your side I'm afraid.
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Re: Steep entrance drive
4x4 is the safe answer for your own regular use, but that still leaves the problem for visitors.
Not sure whether you driveway is straight/long/short etc.
It might be possible to coat concrete with the same abrasive grit that you'd find on very coarse emery cloth, but this would need a first-rate adhesive (eg epoxy) to prevent it polishing off.
Another alternative, maybe for problematic spots, might be to lay down some expanded metal mesh, with its grip-edges facing the appropriate direction; might need to be stainless.
Some neighbours of ours have a winding zig-zag driveway up a steep hillside, gradient up to 1-in-2. 2WD cars really struggle or can't do it; 4WD a doddle.
Not sure whether you driveway is straight/long/short etc.
It might be possible to coat concrete with the same abrasive grit that you'd find on very coarse emery cloth, but this would need a first-rate adhesive (eg epoxy) to prevent it polishing off.
Another alternative, maybe for problematic spots, might be to lay down some expanded metal mesh, with its grip-edges facing the appropriate direction; might need to be stainless.
Some neighbours of ours have a winding zig-zag driveway up a steep hillside, gradient up to 1-in-2. 2WD cars really struggle or can't do it; 4WD a doddle.
Chris
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Re: Steep entrance drive
It's flat at the bottom for 3 metres. Then increasing steepness for, say, 6 metres. I'll look into your kind ideas, 4*4 not an option. I hasten to add that the locals see no problem, merrily reversing back in their 20 year old Seat Marbellas!
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Re: Steep entrance drive
Reversing back up steep hills is usually more demanding than going up them forwards, because modern cars now have rather high reverse gears. Backing up (with a front wheel drive car) does have one advantage, as it throws additional weight on the driven wheels.
One other tack would be to angle-grind some grooves/ridges across your concrete drive, to provide a bit more grip. And better tyres, maybe?
One other tack would be to angle-grind some grooves/ridges across your concrete drive, to provide a bit more grip. And better tyres, maybe?
Chris
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