Cold Tires?

[Pablo]

Hi All

Ok, Im new to the S2000 scene as you know. I've ony had my '05 for about a week. Today I took her out for a spin to a store only about 2 miles away. On the way home I was "playing" a bit on a pretty tight "S" curve. I came damn near loosing it in the second turn as the rear end came loose and wiggled all around (sorta like doing the hokey pokey..LOL) I backed off the gas and she settled back down. I did the same road a bout a week ago and all was well.

Finally the question, do you think cold was a factor? It was about 32 degrees here in NY this AM, or do you think I was just being too agressive?

What is the best method for managing the twisties in the S2K?

[Java Junky]

Abso@*#&in'lutely Pablo.
'Never been in a ride that was more succeptable to slight changes in the tire's abilities.
Drivin' it in colder weather on a regular basis might ge'cha thinkin' about a different set'a winter shoes.
As for the best method? Make sure everything on the car's where it's suppose'ta be (Tire condition, pressures etc.) n' then when you @*#& up . . at least you know it was your fault, n' not Stewies.
Be well.
Java

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by Pablo

Hi All

Ok, Im new to the S2000 scene as you know. I've ony had my '05 for about a week. Today I took her out for a spin to a store only about 2 miles away. On the way home I was "playing" a bit on a pretty tight "S" curve. I came damn near loosing it in the second turn as the rear end came loose and wiggled all around (sorta like doing the hokey pokey..LOL) I backed off the gas and she settled back down. I did the same road a bout a week ago and all was well.

Finally the question, do you think cold was a factor? It was about 32 degrees here in NY this AM, or do you think I was just being too agressive?

What is the best method for managing the twisties in the S2K?

Absolutely, the cold had everything to do with it!! The first thing they teach you in a novice class in any driving school is to never go out at full throttle. Your tires were not up to temperature, therefore had significantly less grip.

Street tire pressures will raise 6 psi (more or less depending on conditions) when pushed for an extended amount of time.

The next time you go out, do what the race car drivers do...weave back and forth to 1) clean off the tires of any marbles 2) build some heat into the tires. Take the first few turns moderately, then get more aggressive as you go.

[gomarlins3]

Cold tires and a cold surface would help to cause that to happen.

[Java Junky]

Curiosity gang:
Do you honestly think that any kind of use of Stewie on a 32 degree ('r less) road surface that's constantly suckin' any little bit of friction-heat that the tires may gain in use (Apologies for the run-on)
But, do you really think that tires exposed to those kind of elements are going to "warm" to normal (Read: 55 degrees n' up) operating temperatures?
When the temps drop to even near freezin', as I see it you've 3 choices:
1) Drivin' hamstrung, as if your tires aren't designed for the conditions you're venturin' forth in,
2) Puttin' on winter rubber n' jus' drivin' within their extended limits,
3) Viewin' your favorite twisties, through the settlin' dust, from the cornfield on the outside'a the turn you jus' exited from . . butt first.
Be well.
Java

[Vezna31]

I'm not an expert, but I have driven Sears Point in very cold weather, but not quite that cold. The car still handled well. Again, you have to remember that friction causes heat. Even though the road surface is still cold, the tires will still heat up due to friction. Will it be optimal? Probably not near like it would be on a 70 degree day.

Remember, the art of being a good driver is adapting to your conditions and driving appropriately. No one is a great driver out of the box. You have to learn some limits in order to become a better driver. That means practice. What Pablo experienced was definitely a learning experience. Next time, he'll recognize certain limits and change his driving style. That makes him a better driver.

[Java Junky]

All good points Vez, n' not to prolong anythin' to the point of arguement, but would there be any source'a info on jus' how much an in-use tire gains in temp gains on a cold track?
This sounds like the kind'a stuff that we could drop on the doorstep'a the guys at the 'Rack for enlightenment.
I'm gonna throw a round 'cross their bow n' see if I can't get their attention.
I'll get back to ya.
Be well.
Java

[desmo4]

Studies have show at least on motorcycles that weaving cleans the tread but nothing to warm the tires.

Jonathan