Washboarding, or corrugation, occurs on dirt and gravel roads when vehicle tires bounce and displace loose surface materials. This creates a continuous pattern of transverse ridges and depressions that resemble an old laundry washboard. The ripples severely degrade ride quality, increase vehicle wear, and reduce braking traction, requiring regular grading to flatten the surface.
Heard on the job
We need the grader out on the county line road because the washboard is getting bad enough to rattle the suspension apart.
Insider tip
Driving too slowly or braking heavily on a washboard surface actually deepens the ripples, while maintaining a specific speed can allow the suspension to float over the crests.
Also heard as
- corrugation
- washboarding