Wind Problems

[BE.SMART]

I live in Albuquerque and travel to Santa Fe quite a bit and to be honest the wind has scared the hell out of me a few times. I was looking at buying a mini (not sure if that would help) because of this. Although I would feel like a traitor so I bagged the idea

Anyone know what to do with this? Can I get some advice?

Thanks,
E

[JPaul]

Next time you experience strong winds and are alone on the road (no vehicles right beside or near you) let the car go a bit; "under"-react, instead of over-control it. You may realize that it maintains its course, generally speaking. In the earlier days, I had a tendency to correct the trajectory constantly, kind of overreact to its whim. Now, I let it go, sort of, and within allowable limits. It makes my trip much more relax.

[a2jack]

The car will run "Hands Off" under most conditions, but wind blasts out of a canyon will send it off track.
Just be ready for it, (like the wind wall in front of that big truck you are passing).

I assume you have P/S, but we drove an old VW Microbus all through the West and the Smart is a picnic compared to that. A2Jack.

[bcope01]

Originally Posted by a2jack

...but we drove an old VW Microbus all through the West and the Smart is a picnic compared that. A2Jack.

Ditto!

[jwight]

Beano usually helps.

[NCC1701]

I've been concerned about the way my car gets blown around too. The response by JPaul in post #2 interests me. I'll give it a go.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by jwight

Beano usually helps.

Why suppress it? A wind problem like this can be a benefit. Just route some flex piping from your seat to the smart's intake, and use the extra methane to give your car some added oomph. Then eat beans and onions to your heart's content.

[Duckhunter]

In El Paso we get wind. It is breezy today with winds in the 30-50 MPH range. My large truck gets moved around more than the little car. You can feel it but it is not real bad. I can really notice it for the headwind as acceleration is reduced.

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by a2jack

I assume you have P/S, but we drove an old VW Microbus all through the West and the Smart is a picnic compared to that. A2Jack.

- Nothing can't be too worse than a near full size SUV caught in high winds! (I'm talking about the Envoy XL)

[Kermit]

I can easily compare it to my old Tahoe, reminds me quite a bit of it. Took mine out today in 30-40mph gusts and it was a bit of white knuckle driving.

I can feel for you out there and have done my time living out that way, JPaul hit the nail on the head. Keep both hands on the wheel, don't overcompensate but at the same time don't let the car get blown off the road which I know those winds will do out your way.

On my old motorcycle when I lived in west Texas.....I would draft trucks on VERY windy (30-60mph winds) days that I had to go on the interstate. Just beware that the trucks can kick up whatever on the road that they run over as well as the possibility of a blowout. That was some of my crazier days when I wasn't too concerned about self preservation.