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Tough Love

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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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So it's been twice now that i have spun out with the S, recently. The tires i have on the rear are RE-11, which i found out are horrible at cold temp. and don't grip at all. First incident i had i gunned it on 1st and 2nd on a cold wet street, I was not thinking right and i was going home from a buddies house and I always gun it there on a long stretch and i hit 2nd gear the rear end just snapped and i went flying thru a neighbors yard messing up my rear trunk, breaking the 3rd break light, and the rear bumper damaged. A tought lesson learned and it could have been worse, oh and the steering was of. The second incident was the other night, I was at a friends house and two hours later i walk out and its snow and ice all over the road. I didnt know a snow storm was coming, or not that bad so i drive very slow home going 20mph all the way home the main streets were okay, as soon as i got into my neighborhood i stumble upon some ice patch going 15 and just spin out luckily no one was around and i didnt hit anything. It's just crazy how easy it is to lose control over this little car, and I think i need a new set of tires or something. Any suggestions on tires or anything.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 11:59 AM
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How about using snow tires for snow?

You can't be lazy or inattentive with these cars. So whether that means looking at the forecast early, getting proper tires, or having the driving skill to know that "gunning it" is reserved for good weather and properly safe track / autocross events...

If you "react to" instead of "plan ahead," you're going to have a very stormy relationship with the car.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:01 PM
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cold weather and summer tires doesn't mix. the rear loves to kick out in the cold even here in Florida!
I had something similar happen to me but not spinning out. I have Hankook Evo V12 tires and only have around 1k miles btw.
I am very careful on turns and on/off ramp now.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:19 PM
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Summer tires + RWD on a car that is already a touch snappy is a recipe for disaster unless you respect the car 100% of the time. These cars are tough enough in the rain, to drive one in snow and ice on summer tires is very tough.

I know here in Atlanta we don't get enough bad stuff to really justify all seasons, but if you were able to get your Civic, or whatever else through a few days of bad weather on summer tires, doesn't set the precedent that you can do that with an S2000.

Snow tires certainly help but you are driving a sports car with high performance thresholds, its going to be a handful in inclimate weather.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:22 PM
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If you do a search for "spin out" or "Spun" on here chances are all the replies will have to do with why summer tires are terrible when it's cold, wet or icy especially in a car that is RWD with a LSD rear end....it's a recipe for disaster in cold/ice/snow.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:33 PM
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Well, you could always read about others doing the same thing and learn from others adventures...
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by aDoG,Jan 10 2011, 03:39 PM
First incident i had i gunned it on 1st and 2nd on a cold wet street
I mean...why would you even do this?
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by RedCelica,Jan 10 2011, 04:35 PM
I mean...why would you even do this?
I have done that before. Many times actually. Im ready for the car though (I turn VSA off when I drive every time).
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:26 PM
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Ditch the summer tires. They turn rock hard when the temps drop below 45. I haven't spun but I have come darn close being a bit to liberal with the throttle in cold or damp conditions.

As for winter tires I didn't get Blizzaks this year HOWEVER I do have some All-Season High Performance tires. Bridgestone RE 960AS. I love them and so does my buddy who has them on his WRX. He uses them to get up and down Big Bear Mountain out in CA all winter.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by aDoG,Jan 10 2011, 02:39 PM
A tough lesson learned
Apparently not.
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