The Ford Focus survived the Matt’s Off-Road Smash and Dash race with minimal visible damage despite heavy mud and close calls. The front bumper and skid plate held up perfectly, protecting the engine accessories from the sticky debris. Under the hood, the cooling system remained cool and the oil level stayed full, proving the stock air box effectively filtered out most of the dirt.
After the race, the car was taken to an automatic car wash for a deep clean. The high-pressure sprayers struggled against the thick mud clumps, requiring the soft-touch brushes to remove the grime from the body panels and windshield. While the exterior is now mostly clear, the air filter still needs replacement due to the dust accumulation inside the intake box.
This Week With Cars – Episode 0565