Pressing on a bit on my way to the station this morning in my 2007 C4S I was surpised to lose the back end going round a sharp-ish corner. It was wet, but not very wet, drizzling not raining heavily. There was no standing water to speak of. I wasnt going overly quickly - within the speed limit, but the tyres were cold (I had only been driving on them for 5 mins / 1 1/2 miles). I managed to control the car, so no harm done but was surprised that the PSM system didnt kick in, or did it just do so without flashing anything at me and hence avoiding any problems was not, as I thought down to my driving skill but down to the electronics..? The tyres are Bridgestones, and in good condition (about 5mm tread). I know the old 993's were legendary for their lively rears but this caught me on the hop a bit. Would fellow 997 drivers say this is usual? Other than slowing down (! - which i will obviously do), any other thoughts or advice? Thanks in advance. Andrew
Wet weather traction
- Thread starter williaa68
- Start date
I'm surprised that the PSM didn't come to your rescue. With or without flashing lights it's fairly obvious when intervening. But as Scotty from star trek used to say.
"Ye cannae change the laws of physics!"
"Ye cannae change the laws of physics!"
Actually that is a good point tscaptain, thank you, when it happened I was looking at the parked white van I was heading rapidly towards not the dash so it is entirely possible that something did flash up and I missed it! The car is booked in for one of the freebie inspections on 16th Oct so I will ask the OPC to have a look and see what they say and I will be more careful until then...
It's only happened to me on one occasion - on the Porsche low friction track at Silverstone. My impression of the action was simple - you don't notice the electronics kicking in, I just realised that the car didn't spin [
]
If there were any warning lights they were on and off in such a short space of time, that I didn't notice them (even on the third attempt) .. I suspect I was too focused on looking ahead and hoping I was going to make it around the corner ok! Glad you did too.
] If there were any warning lights they were on and off in such a short space of time, that I didn't notice them (even on the third attempt) .. I suspect I was too focused on looking ahead and hoping I was going to make it around the corner ok! Glad you did too.
garyw
Moderator
[] many a time I've had the car correct/assist me... I've not always seen the light flashing either....
In the rain a few weeks ago I pushed on into a corner and somewhat expected the rear to kick out... it did and I saw the light flash that time []
I truly believe the car has worked hard and the electronics have done its thing so well, I've not really noticed...
The odds were against you, cold tyres, damp surface- which is the one that gives m the most grief possibly as in rain you are that bit more cautious..
As Geoff says Porsche have done major improvements but still not beaten Newton as yet...[]
garyw
] many a time I've had the car correct/assist me... I've not always seen the light flashing either....In the rain a few weeks ago I pushed on into a corner and somewhat expected the rear to kick out... it did and I saw the light flash that time [
]I truly believe the car has worked hard and the electronics have done its thing so well, I've not really noticed...
The odds were against you, cold tyres, damp surface- which is the one that gives m the most grief possibly as in rain you are that bit more cautious..
As Geoff says Porsche have done major improvements but still not beaten Newton as yet...[
]garyw
clarkes
New member
I have had the rear of my turbo step out a couple of times in the wet. On both occasions the road conditions were much as you describe but the PSM did cut in, although once was when I had the sport button pressed and the back of the car was a little further away from straight ahead then I was totally comfortable with! On both occasions the car was very easy to control and I'm sure that is more as a result of the PSM than anything to do with my driving skill - or lack of it. One thing is for certain, very few other cars would have been able to deliver the performance I was experiencing in the same conditions, even given the waywardness of the rear end of the car.
Really?
I had two 993s (both C2), and 964s, 3.2, SC, etc before and it's actually very difficult to get the rear to step out.
Normally 911s understeer, due to the significant weight and traction at the rear. You actually need to de-stabilise the rear to make it lose traction, usually with sudden lift-off whilst you have some steering lock.
Many people struggle to get a 911 into an oversteer attitude even on the ice and snow driving courses. More often it is the front ploughing wide.
Cold tyres and some oil/grease/rubbish probably to blame.
Once modern tyres are under 7C, and standing water can easily cool the tryes enough they have the same grip as a marble wheel (none) add some oil/petrol on the surface of some standing water and the back goes, very easily.
Luck escape/well held
As per everyone else's comments the electronics probably did intervene but they will let the rear step out a bit first.
Check on an empty wide, damp car park/road/ & make sure no one is around or coming & there is nothing to hit.
Once modern tyres are under 7C, and standing water can easily cool the tryes enough they have the same grip as a marble wheel (none) add some oil/petrol on the surface of some standing water and the back goes, very easily.
Luck escape/well held
As per everyone else's comments the electronics probably did intervene but they will let the rear step out a bit first.
Check on an empty wide, damp car park/road/ & make sure no one is around or coming & there is nothing to hit.
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