Handling do I have to drive like a granny in the rain?

[Rockyroad]

Morning all,
I did a search on here for "handling" only 3 threads came up this one here basically happened to me.

quite wet, raining, going 10mph max, pulling into work off a road with heavy traffic and speed bumps so wasn't going fast. Anyway turned off the road and as i straightened up the steering the car was sideways.

Now if I had planned this it would have looked totally bad ass!
Power sliding into work at 8am! good times.
I corrected it and all was well.

My concern is, I didn't plan this and I wasn't going fast. It was in 2H and the Vit is on brand new Cooper Cobra Radial G/T's (P235/60R15). 8V 1998, 3 door tintop. all stock.
had about half a tank of gas other than that the car was empty except for me. I didn't really accelerate other than normal to keep the speed constant i.e. i only applied enough power so the car wasn't just rolling around the corner.

from reading on here; Drive the car like it should be driven and all is well. I'm used to driving the new mini cooper, which sticks to the road like glue and has no/very little body roll even when pushed. I'm not driving the Vit like a low sporty car, and i can't imagine taking that turn in an any more responsible way.

Do you guys always have it in 4x4 when its raining?

I was actually looking forward to a bit of off road power sliding etc or planned sliding but not commuting through traffic

On another note, is it possible and would it improve handling if 2H was normally FWD not RWD? I tried searches on here and google but all you find is info on how to convert a 4WD to 2WD or RWD to FWD. nothing relative to keeping the car the same but normally FWD and then when 4H is selected the transfer case would engaged rear wheels. Any thoughts, has it been done, is it impossible?

Cheers,
Ros

[Max]

I'd say it's your tire selection.

They are not one of the better wet weather supportive tires that you have there.

See...

CooperTiresConsumer - Cobra Radial G/T<span class='trademark'></span>

Also make sure that you keep them inflated at the Suzuki recommended pressure. My GV will hop around at 30 PSI +, thus the recommended 26 PSI is better for traction and ride.

[droflex]

Was it the first rain you have had there in a little while?

[Bex]

I have no problem in the rain - tires at 26psi - what is your inflation? Other than that, possibly alignment and/or brakes might contribute to the issue.

[curlcd]

I'm thinking its oily road, maybe inherently slick tires.... or some combination thereof ... I have never had this experience.

I can make it slide if trying, and in snow/ice its may be a bit squirrely but just rain...nope.


You might also think about checking your rear suspension... if your shocks are bad, or suspension bound up somehow it can make your car do unexpected loss of traction events.

[Rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Max

I'd say it's your tire selection.

They are not one of the better wet weather supportive tires that you have there.

See...

CooperTiresConsumer - Cobra Radial G/T<span class='trademark'></span>

heh heh heh brill "...cosmetic performance tire that is targeted to buyers who prefer raised white-letter styling in an all-season tire..."

Well they do look the biz, the garage just matched what the car had when i bought it. they were worn so i had new ones put on. Something i'll bear in mind next tyre change.

Tracking was done recently and suspension seems fine. Though all this will become clear after the NCT.

checked pressures, 23psi at the back 42psi up front.
Is it supposed to be 26psi all round? Maybe its cause they're brand new?

[Max]

They over-inflated them up front. A little low back aft. Being new has nothing to do with the equation.

Adjust them for a WORLD of difference.

[Scudo]

A combination of brand new tires, 235 wide, wet road, and probably a few drops of oil.

When wet again find an empty parking lot and give her a flick at 10 mph and see what happens.

Oil can feel like ice. Wet leaves can also feel like ice.

[Bex]

Originally Posted by Max

They over-inflated them up front. A little low back aft. Being new has nothing to do with the equation.

Adjust them for a WORLD of difference.

x2. Way overinflated in the front. Possibly even more than the manufacturer's recommendation. I would put all at 26 all around, and see how you like it. I think it will be a LOT better.

[Rockyroad]

Granted the front is way over and i'll put 26psi all round, but the front didn't slide.

What was the stock wheel/ tyre size originally?