Meandering in Kali

[jdlynch99]

Hi all.

Had my Smart for a week now, don't really have any complaints but I was wondering if any others have noticed the car wanting to follow the rain groves in the freeway. Doesn't freak me out since I ride bikes also and this is just fact of life when you ride. Just thought I'd see if others had the same thing.
If so did you fix the issue and what did you do to fix it?

Wider tires maybe?

Thanks in advance

[mendo]

I found that when I keep my tires inflated fully, or just a bit over, then it doesn't do that so much.

it also gets better fuel milage that way.

[forestacademy]

It's a CA Problem, Most of the country doesn't have those grooves.
Try Driving in another state, Problem solved.

[jdlynch99]

Originally Posted by mendo

I found that when I keep my tires inflated fully, or just a bit over, then it doesn't do that so much.

it also gets better fuel milage that way.

What pressure do you keep your tires at? The door sticker says 29/36 thats what I try to set mine at.

[Suze]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

It's a CA Problem, Most of the country doesn't have those grooves.
Try Driving in another state, Problem solved.

Just don't try Oregon - we have rain trenches!


Guess I'll check my tire pressure today...

[Gearhead]

Wider tires will stop the meandering, but you'll have to replace the stock wheels to mount a wider tire. Some people have used stock rear wheels (bought from a dealer) to mount wider tires, 175/55-15, the same tire used on the rears. The wider tires on the front will cost you about 2 MPG though.

As a veteran driver of small cars, here's how I deal with it. I pull my left foot towards the seat until my knee touches the steering wheel. Bolstered this way, I can zip right past big trucks without getting blown around in the lane. It also helps with the meandering in sections of CA freeway with rain grooves and when there are high Santa Ana winds.

Hope this helps...

[fpage77]

Welcome to the smart family.