is that normal?

I was on a highway and it was POURING.. The S felt very VERY loose.. Almost like the rear end was drifting back and forth.. I had to slow down to about 40-45 just to feel safe.. isthis normal?

 

I've not experienced that in my rainy drives--even in downpours. You didn't mention anything about the condition of your tires. Perhaps that contributed. I also know that if you felt your rear end breaking away, you were wise in slowing down, as it was unlikely to be your imagination. One of the aspects of this car I most like is the feel of the road it provides--what you feel is what you get.

 

You have an 04. Different tires than an 00.

Original poster: browse through the tire and wheel forum.
And post your tread depth and miles on the tires if you'd like more help.

 

i'm willing to bet you're low on tread.

 

Guys, this might sound like an ignorant question but what is considered low for these cars? They dont look near bald.. Is there a penny trick or anything for these wheels

 

You measure them the same as with any other tires. Post a pic up if you want.. that would help us determine if you need to replace your tires soon or not.

 

use a penny and put it into the grooves on the tire with lincoln's head upside down. if the edge of the groove is at lincoln's head or lower, then you have way too little tread (less than 2/32")

 

I got into a downpour on I90 back in 1999 when my car was new and had the same experience. With basically even weight distribution the car feels drifty at both ends when it is in a hydroplaning condition.

 

Rears look pretty bald on her.. Ordered up some new ones from TireRack thanks guys for the opinions!!

 

If these are S02s you're talking about, then they do get squirrely as the tread gets low. Just do remember, it's a light car with wide tires. Physics always wins.

I've had better grip with S03s than S02s, if you want to look at alternatives. I have 17" wheels though.