[QUOTE]Originally posted by 03_AP1

 

well, to say that a tire is downright dangerous is a pretty bold statement.

I've driven my S for the past 3 weeks, near freezing conditions, with rain, on S02's. No spins, no squirrly tails......why?

Because i don't drive like a jackass when the conditions are condusive to less than ideal traction......

 

So I need to check my alignment, and have my mechanic check my control arm. Anything else I should watch out for?

I scooted on under her this morning, and there are zero signs of any damage anywhere... save some curb rash on the rear driverside tire. Everything SEEMS ok... I didnt hit the curb hard, it felt like I rolled onto it... like a speed bump. There are no marks at all, even on the exhaust (lowest part that I could see). I'm thinking I just lucked out in a major way.

I now have a new found respect for the rain and puddles, not that I didnt have any before.

 

You may want to get that tire checked. I hit a tall sharp curb at about 30mph and busted the inner wall of my tire. I barely got to the tire shop before it was undrivable.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by soundzero

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 03_AP1
well, to say that a tire is downright dangerous is a pretty bold statement.

I've driven my S for the past 3 weeks, near freezing conditions, with rain, on S02's.

 

Soundzero, I like you're weighted scale idea.

IMO it is

1part(SO2)+3parts(Weather)+6parts(driver)=outcome

 

Updated formula for sh*ts and giggles...

[{x^(y)}(SO2)]+[{x^(y')}(weather)]+[{x^(y")}(driver)]=OUTCOME

y,y' and Y" are all secondary variables coefficient. SO2 changes its capability, weather changes its conditions, and drivers skill isn't always constant due to flawed judgements or influenced outcomes.

So each factor has equal weight to the equation. One can't be missing to complete the formula or one can't outweight the other all the time for safe outcome.

As one factor loses degree of variable coefficient, another factor has to increase its variable coefficient in order to see desirable outcome, safe drive.

As tire wears out, whether has to get better or driver has to increase attention more in order to drive the car safely.

As tire wears out, weather gets worse, the driver has to increase his skill and attention to detail even greater in order to avoid any dangerous outcomes. At this point, more weight is on driver factor.

Now as soon as any other two condition improves, the weight on driver factor in this equation is reduced.

Again, all three completes the equation. If tire is not upto its par on weather condition then the driver must know, simple mistake can lead to unwanted outcome. People might say, "It's driver's fault" It is. But not entirely.

All I am saying here, ideal situation is when three factors share weight of the equation equally. That is what driving is all about.

So for those self-claimed "I can drive anywhere, anytime" Good for you! but please do not miss lead public.

 

Is there a Reynold's Number somewhere in that equation? Looks like I'll have to calculate my chances mathematically of whether I can make it to the supermarket and back home if it's raining out.

 

I am glad you and your car are alright.

I love my RE050's that came with my '04 S2k. They are very good in the wet and phenomenal everywhere else. I agree though we should all use good judgement at all times but especially when driving in less than ideal conditions. Drive safe.