Driving in the Texas Wind

[bumblebee]

Well today might be a bit extreme but I had a chance to drive on a VERY windy day in North Texas. You can really feel the wind tossing the car around. I was driving on 121 at about 55 - 60 mph and you really had to grip the steering wheel to fight the wind. Granted the condition might be a bit extreme as wind gust was probably over 50 mph at times. It was a little challenging but never did I felt that it was unsafe.
I also drove my truck to get an oil change and the wind was tossing me around in my truck but not as bad. I think the smart will handle just fine on a normal windy day.

[SmartBob]

Good input, bumble. Real experience speaks volumes. Thanks. <=== Wind in hair.

[DaveInTexas]

McKinney Municipal Airport reported gusts of 59mph today.
Just an FYI, I really didn't notice it in the Miata, other than the top buffetting aloud.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by bumblebee

Well today might be a bit extreme but I had a chance to drive on a VERY windy day in North Texas. You can really feel the wind tossing the car around. I was driving on 121 at about 55 - 60 mph and you really had to grip the steering wheel to fight the wind. Granted the condition might be a bit extreme as wind gust was probably over 50 mph at times. It was a little challenging but never did I felt that it was unsafe.
I also drove my truck to get an oil change and the wind was tossing me around in my truck but not as bad. I think the smart will handle just fine on a normal windy day.

This is bad news. Something my wife is very worried about. She does not fight the wind in her 3400 pound Acura, and I have never experienced wind buffeting in my 2600 pound MINI. I would have thought that Smart could have avoided that issue with proper aerodynamics. I guess that's a compromise they made to ensure a sizeable interior despite the small footprint. 50 mph naturally occurring wind gusts may not be normal, but passing trucks on two lane highways coming from the opposite direction can cause regular wind gusts in excess of that speed.

[Fredvon4]

Just as a contrast... I went to the VA hospitol today and the 35~50mpg gusts had my 7800 pound beasty all over the highway when it was from the side...even tipped over two 18 wheelers on I 35 and MOPAC in Austin... I imagin the Smart was similarly challenged but no more then the rest of us... I was actually glad to head back west and directly into the stuff as the side wind was getting to be a chore to handle

[StevenM1TX]

I was driving all the way up Mopac today and over the 45 toll road a bit. Really was quite concerned how I could feel the wind a fair amount. That is until I saw the trash cans in our neighborhood blown all over and realized how windy it really was. Was about the same as the Scion in a very heavy wind. If that is as bad as it gets, I am fine with it. Just encouraged me to keep it down to 70 instead of 80 on the way home.

[ChuckMac]

That was a big Texas wind as it blew all the way to Memphis. There were serious white caps on the Mississippi. We all stood at the window to watch to see if a Mr. Dumas in a small boat would capsize in the wind. He made it. I guess the good lord does watch out for fools.
On a car not my 3500 lb truck was getting tossed all over.

[flywithsean]

I have driven the smart is some pretty gusty winds and don't feel unsafe in it. The key with the winds is if it was a direct crosswind or not.

[angel]

I was at the VA in Dallas today and the wind was so strong it made it hard to walk. Leaving I was holding the steering wheel tight on my 500 to keep it between the lines.

[HGB]

I drove at about 60-70 mph on a well travelled road with a little wind and I had difficulties keeping the car steady. It made me feel like I chose the wrong vehicle.
I have not confirmed the tire pressure yet as received from the dealer, but it bothers me about being tossed around and the other cars are steady.