Hi Everyone,

Well, I've finally decided to start posting again. . . I'm still a little numb (emotionally) from the 11th, but overall I'm good. . .

ANYWAY, I know its been written about numerous times, but it warrants repeating. . .

HARD ACCELERATION & TURNING with COLD S02's is a REALLY BAD IDEA!!!!

On Saturday night, I was on my way to my friend's house to watch the Trinidad/Hopkins fight. My car was still warm (3 temperature bars) from my previous drive about an hour earlier, but the tires were not. Anyway, on my first left hand turn I gunned it while in 1st gear. Immediately, the back fishtailed and the car went PERPENDICULAR to traffic!! I was able to recover by counter-steering & reducing my acceleration. Fortunately, it was 11:25pm on a wide-traffic free road. No harm, no foul, but a valuable lesson learned regardless. . .

The S02's on the S2000 are great tires. . . when PROPERLY WARMED-UP. . .

Just something to keep in mind as we drive our cars during the fall and winter months ahead. . .

 

Thank you man, I appreciate the warning. Can I ask how cold it gets over there (specifically in this example)? Thanks!

 

Consider taking a performance drivers education course. You will really learn the handling limits of your car and yourself without any of the streetrodding issues. I don't know where you would go up there, but here's a link to the driver's edge.

http://www.thedriversedge.net/

 

The temperature was approximately 50 degrees F. . .

Regarding the limits of my car, I've AutoX'd on a few occassions and I know the limits of my car. However, I seldom drive the S in cold temps. . . And usually, when the tires are cold the engine is also cold. . . This was a prime example of not taking the elements into consideration. . .

 

Some of the more seasoned members here will probably remember that Greg Stevens totalled the first S2000 in the US under extreme cold conditions. It was pretty much consensus that these tires aren't the greatest in the cold, especially intense cold. Greg's tires were pretty much frozen (-4 degrees F), and the car, under otherwise normal circumstances, spun out of control.

I'm sure if you do a search you'll find more info around. Cold tires are ugly!

 

None moreso than those pesky S-02s. Caution is indicated for the next few months. Thanks Iceman for reminding us.