The impending doom that is a Gritter
Discussion
Well it’s that time of year that requires copious amounts of grit to be spread all over the countries roads, and for good reason.
However in doing so when I see the faint glow of amber strobes in the distance, my heart beats that little bit faster with the dread of the inevitable pelting of the cars paint with all matter of road salt and stones.
Some may decide to turn off and hide down a side road, with more people than I realised employing this tactic after a little chat with a few guys that other night.
However inevitably this is not an option always and especially when on motorways ect.
Now talking to an acquaintance who used to be an ex-gritter driver based in the midlands, he has always been surprised by the number of people who overtake gritters on the motorways and main roads that he operated on.
Purely for the simple fact that at the point of overtake this is where the grit is being flung out at its highest velocity relative to the passing vehicle. Figures of 60-80mph were discussed to cover a 4 lane motorway.
I can see why some put their cars “to bed” for winter to avoid this but a car is to be enjoyed in my opinion.
Do Pistonheader’s employ any other interesting tactics, to avoid having your paintwork sandpapered?
However in doing so when I see the faint glow of amber strobes in the distance, my heart beats that little bit faster with the dread of the inevitable pelting of the cars paint with all matter of road salt and stones.
Some may decide to turn off and hide down a side road, with more people than I realised employing this tactic after a little chat with a few guys that other night.
However inevitably this is not an option always and especially when on motorways ect.
Now talking to an acquaintance who used to be an ex-gritter driver based in the midlands, he has always been surprised by the number of people who overtake gritters on the motorways and main roads that he operated on.
Purely for the simple fact that at the point of overtake this is where the grit is being flung out at its highest velocity relative to the passing vehicle. Figures of 60-80mph were discussed to cover a 4 lane motorway.
I can see why some put their cars “to bed” for winter to avoid this but a car is to be enjoyed in my opinion.
Do Pistonheader’s employ any other interesting tactics, to avoid having your paintwork sandpapered?
thinfourth2 said:
I was wondering when this would turn up
Or the ying to this yang of a thread
Who do a sue because they didn't grit the road?
Did you actually read the OP? Or the ying to this yang of a thread
Who do a sue because they didn't grit the road?
"Well it’s that time of year that requires copious amounts of grit to be spread all over the countries roads, and for good reason."
It could be worse. A couple of years ago I made the mistake of having the roof down during the post-sunset period when the gritters start to come out. Being hit on the head by salt that's just bounced off your passenger side window isn't much fun. The only reason I didn't get hit full-on was that I ducked as he passed!
It’s a necessary evil.
The only thing I would add is that I’ve never really been that concerned about passing the gritters until the last winter there – Glasgow council added red brick to the salt/grit…..to be fair it was more brick than anything else that they were punting out. Don’t know how they process the brick but they could do with using a finer setting on the machine as there were some seriously large chunks of brick being strewn about.
They’re still in our car park now, surely can’t have been a great idea for the local drains etc aswell…..as long as it saved them money at that moment in time then screw the long thoughts eh!
The only thing I would add is that I’ve never really been that concerned about passing the gritters until the last winter there – Glasgow council added red brick to the salt/grit…..to be fair it was more brick than anything else that they were punting out. Don’t know how they process the brick but they could do with using a finer setting on the machine as there were some seriously large chunks of brick being strewn about.
They’re still in our car park now, surely can’t have been a great idea for the local drains etc aswell…..as long as it saved them money at that moment in time then screw the long thoughts eh!
car bras tend to help a little but tbh best off stopping for a 10 minute rest, if your able to. Otherwise just hang back at about 60, turn up the radio and chill out for a half hour or so till the gritter turns off or you do.
If you must pass then far away as possible clear road boot it hard and take the stonechip pain.
If you must pass then far away as possible clear road boot it hard and take the stonechip pain.
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