What would be the correct formatting or rewording of the onomatopoeia "crunch-crunched"?

Question

I am editing a historical fiction novel, and this clause has come up.

As the Model T's wheels crunch-crunched their way up the gravel driveway...

Is this clause grammatically correct? Should I use one of the following examples instead?:
the Model T's wheels crunch crunched
the Model T's wheels crunch-crunched
the Model T's wheels crunch crunched
the Model T's wheels crunched
the Model T's wheels went crunch crunch

Sarah O'Reilly · Answer

I think that 'the Model T's wheels crunched' would be the most natural sounding. While 'crunch-crunched' is not incorrect, it would give me pause as a reader since it is not a common phrase.

Fraser Orr · Answer

FWIW, I agree that

the wheels crunched up the drive

Would be simple and is quite evocative, if you really wanted to use a doubling I'd try

The wheels sounded "crunch crunch" as they drove up the drive.

Or

With a crunch, crunch, the Model-T drove up the drive.

You can probably get away with the "crunch-crunched" but to me it sounds quite awkward.

What would be the correct formatting or rewording of the onomatopoeia "crunch-crunched"?

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