There I was, driving north in Edina on Highway 100 through a pouring rainstorm. Kept it under the speed limit (yes, really!) to avoid any chance of hydroplaning. Apparently, I wasn't going slow enough. Did a 360 , thankfully didn't hit anyone or anything, but slammed into the curb as I headed into the ditch.

First thought: DOH!
Second thought: Really, really lucky I didn't hurt myself or anyone else.
Third thought. DOH!

My baby slid to a stop about 40 feet from the highway, hidden in tall, wet grass. Before going up to stand by the road and wave down the tow truck, I saw no obvious damage. As it turned out, she was hurt, but she wasn't showing it.

$4,500 and large pile of Honda OEM suspension components later, she's back home.

I share this because it's unnervingly easy to lose control of this car in water.... Just want to urge my fellow S2Kers to take it very easy when driving in heavy rain.

 

The S-02 tires are very bad in heavy rain and will hydroplane very easy. The older they are, the worse they are.

The important thing is that you are OK. Mechanical repairs are cheap and easy.

 

Thanks be to daily drivers/beaters!

Glad you are OK.

 

Thank you for sharing your pictures and experience. This just reinforces my reluctance to drive my S2K in the rain. Glad to hear no one was hurt.

 

How worn were your S-02s? At the end of my S-02's life I could feel the back end hydroplaning unless I kept it under 45 MPH. I switched to S-03s...

Glad you're alright.

 

Glad you didn't get hurt. The car can be fixed or replaced if anything happens to it. I drive pretty slow when it rains out, my back tires are Nitto 555Rs (Street Drag Radials) so I don't like to push it when it's wet out. Besides, the Vortech SC makes it that much easier to lose tractions when it's wet out.

 

Thanks, everyone, for the comments.

Happily, I notice no difference in the driving or performance at all. This is one solid car!

NSide, the spinout happened with about 15k on the tires. I'm guessing a little under half of the tread was left. Forgive the ignorant question, but what are S-03s?

 

S-03's are the longer lasting tire for the S2K, basically less grip, harder rubber. That's why it last longer

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by haga7584
[B]S-03's are the longer lasting tire for the S2K, basically less grip, harder rubber.

 

Has anybody tried tires other than original equipment manufacturer? Goodyear Eagle F1 G3-D3 and Firestone SZ50 EP are higher rated for wet traction at Tire Rack.

Also best wishes that you're ok.

Think I'll keep that '92 Volvo winter-beater here in Michigan.