ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Washboarding

So, have you ever played with a toy car on a bumpy road? It feels like the car is bouncing up and down, right? Well, that's kind of like what happens to big cars and trucks driving on dirt roads.

Sometimes, when big trucks drive over a dirt road, they leave behind little bumps that almost look like waves or ripples. We call these bumps "washboarding".

Now, when other cars and trucks drive over the same road, their tires go up and down over these little bumps. It makes the ride really bumpy and uncomfortable for the passengers, just like when that toy car bounced up and down.

Washboarding can also be bad for the road itself because it can create potholes or even damage the tires and suspension of the vehicles driving over it.

So, to make sure the road stays smooth and safe for everyone driving on it, it's important to fix washboarding by smoothing out the bumps and making sure the road is flat.