Think I'll have an issue with this steep driveway?

[Mdoss]

When my M3 gets here, one of the first road trips I take will be to visit my parents. This is the driveway at their house. I always remember it being steep, but from this Google maps view, it doesn't look too bad. Maybe a 30° angle or so??

Think I'll have any problem with the M3 scraping when coming up/down this driveway?

 

[MountainPass]

It looks pretty gradual at the bottom, should be ok. If you are worried, ask your parents or bring some 2x4 pieces to drive over at the bottom to ease the entry angle.

 

[GregRF]

Looks less severe than my driveway and I don't have any issues, though I do come in at a bit of an angle. We had a prius that would scrape, but the Model 3's shorter overhangs give a better approach angle.

 

[Sophias_dad]

I think it would be fine. Note that the P(if you have it) will ride a bit lower, but it should still be fine.

 

[timk225]

Why would anyone even build the driveway like that? Too steep.

 

[Daniel in SD]

Why would anyone even build the driveway like that? Too steep.

Well it does have to get up to the house. The problem is that it should be more “S” shaped. The initial slope is too steep.

 

[ReddyLeaf]

This looks almost identical to mine. I just barely make it with air suspension on the highest level (model S).

 

[woodguyatl]

Why would anyone even build the driveway like that? Too steep.

We people in the South don’t worry about such things as snow and ice.. This type of driveway is very common in Atlanta and other southern cities that are very hilly. Many driveways are worse than the OP’s.

 

[Mdoss]

Thanks for all the replies.

Excuse my poor drawing, but I think if I approach at about a 45° angle to get over the initial incline, it should be fine.

But then again there's that word should.!! Would hate to find out the hard way.

I can't just park on the curb, because it is at the top of a steep hill, and it is a blind crest and cars fly up that hill, so that could be even worse!

I may just have them meet me somewhere for lunch/dinner.. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[timk225]

We people in the South don’t worry about such things as snow and ice.. This type of driveway is very common in Atlanta and other southern cities that are very hilly. Many driveways are worse than the OP’s.

Well that is just poor design. South or not, I'd never build a house with a driveway like that. Here in snow and ice country, I see steep driveways that are a solid NOPE in winter weather, what were these house builders thinking, knowing we get snow and ice? I know what they were thinking. Build the house and get their check, with no thoughts of who is going to have to live with this driveway for years.

 

[woodguyatl]

Well that is just poor design. South or not, I'd never build a house with a driveway like that. Here in snow and ice country, I see steep driveways that are a solid NOPE in winter weather, what were these house builders thinking, knowing we get snow and ice? I know what they were thinking. Build the house and get their check, with no thoughts of who is going to have to live with this driveway for years.

They are a problem here as well. No real way around it though on many of the lots. Atlanta, at least, is a shockingly bad city to build in because of the hills. Most people are willing trade parking in the street once every 2 or 3 years for location.

 

[Nocturnal]

I'm pretty sure you will be ok. The model 3 doesn't have a very long nose. I can't say I've scraped it once yet. (knock on wood)

 

[Mdoss]

Saw this on YouTube. At the 3:34 mark, it sounds like he scrapes.. They didn't think it hit, but it sure sounded like it to me...

 

[woodguyatl]

Saw this on YouTube. At the 3:34 mark, it sounds like he scrapes.. They didn't think it hit, but it sure sounded like it to me...

They hit for sure.

 

[Daniel in SD]

They hit for sure.

His friend just didn’t have the heart to tell him. Haha.
I would take a concrete grinder and knock an inch off the high spot. Those mats are a good idea too.

 

[woodguyatl]

His friend just didn’t have the heart to tell him. Haha.
I would take a concrete grinder and knock an inch off the high spot. Those mats are a good idea too.

And he hit with just on person in the car. A mat on the outside helps as well.

 

[UngaBunga1989]

From your photo, my driveway is a LOT steeper. I sold a Ferrari when I moved here and both my 2012 and 2016 Volts scraped but the Tesla P3D never has...