Alright...now I need some REAL clarification on this rain danger deal. I just bought a S2K and I hadn't read anything in the news about Honda recalls or similar things. No mention about Bridgestone recalls for safety. No mention from the dealer that "be aware that you'll kill yourself if you attempt to drive this car in the rain...enjoy!" Hell, one guy in another post said that his S went sideways in the rain just by the wind of an adjacent truck!!!!!!! What's up with that???

I live in coastal Virginia and plan on driving my S to work every day, year round (20 miles each way). Oh, if we have snow, I'll certainly consider waiting for it to melt, etc. But reality says that snow events will happen in the middle of the day, while I'm already driving. Am I going to kill myself when that happens?????

All I hear about on these boards is people that garage keep their sweeties and rub them with a diaper and NEVER NEVER take them out unless it's perfect conditions. Too much pressure for me...I want to drive my S, clean and wax my S, admire it and show it off like anyone BUT I'll certainly be driving it in the rain. It has a top and has wipers for Christ sake!!!!

I'll be tooling around my 12 y.o. daughter all summer. If there is a hint of risk that I'll put her in danger when a summer afternoon storm hits (those of you that live on the humid east coast from DC to Florida know exactly what I mean) I'll have a 10 day old car for sale!!!!!!

Screw this car if it presents a CLEAR and PRESENT DANGER no matter how much I love it.


Jim in Virginia Beach

(Starting to seriously question the purchase of an '03 Suzuka Blue.)

 

I live in Florida and nobody gets hit with worse instant Monsoons than we do. It can be sunny and 15 minutes later you are driving through torrential rain. I haven't had any problems, and I've driven through some nasty rain in the few months I have had the car. I'm also new to rear-wheel drive cars and I was worried I'd be in danger because this car has no traction control. I see now that my fear was greatly over-exaggerated.

Having said that, let me point out that I drive VERY cautiously in the rain. I never understand people who go barreling through hard rain at 80 MPH like its a sunny day, but I see people doing that all the time (*cough* SUV owners *cough*). I slow it WAY the hell down and put some distance between me and the brake riders in front of me.

Its usually said on here that if you let the tires get bald and you are not careful under wet conditions, the car will come out from behind you and bite you. My advice is to make sure you aren't trying to drive the tires until they are bald as racing slicks and just drive carefully in wet weather.

If the car was a deathtrap, it would be making headlines, a la Firestone/Ford Explorer disaster. Under normal driving conditions, I've only been able to make the rear break loose once, and I was trying very hard to do it. Of course, my tires are new

 

Well first off, it

 

Thanks Ganthet...nicely put. Sounds like I should get used to a real wheel drive again. I've owned Camry's and Accord's for the past dozen years and I'm used to that action.

Gotta get used to this. Ironically, it rain like every day for 3 weeks before I bought the car. Since the day I drove it off the lot, it's rained only a couple of hours for the past 10 days.

 

EVERY close call I have had has been in the rain. I hate to blame the car over the driver but I never have this problem with other cars...

 

I think you should relax. I

 

I highly suggest that you find some out-of the way area during the next rain (parking lots are only suitable if they're NOT black-top) and get used to how the car reacts when things are a little wet. Snap oversteer happens much quicker. With a little practice under controlled conditions, you may find that the car is even more fun to play with in the wet. (but at much lower speeds, of course). It will definately make you a safer driver.

Oh, and keep a hawk's eye on those tires for wear! Keep in mind that the S2000's suspension setup will wear the *inside* of the tires bald before the outside ( most visible portion ) appear to need changing. It's very easy to find yourself with nearly bald tires seemingly overnight. And if you haven't already heard, the S2000 goes through high performance tires at a very high rate. (Don't fault the car, this is actually a good sign ) Don't be surprised if you need new rears before 10,000 miles ( even if you don't do burn outs, tail-out corners, etc. ) Once you get used to the incredible handling of the S2K, what feels like a casual corner to you really puts quite a burdon on those shoes!

With a little care, the car is perfectly drivable in nearly all "typical" situations. Enjoy!

 

Yeah i think it drives fine in the rain.
You just have to take it slow depending on your tire thread and amount
of gas you have in the car.
Don't go vtecing in the rain and blame the car for spinning out.

 

Ditto. VW bugs (The old type) are lighter, rear wheel drive, skinny tires and no problems in rain (if you are careful) and the weight distribution not nearly as nicely balanced as the S.
So...as usual, I suspect that people who are getting into trouble are just driving a little too close to the tires' limits of adhesion, especially in the wet. You just got to slow down and have respect for the beast in the rain, or it will bite ya.
Cheers,
Daniel

 

The car is safe if you drive it properly.