Driving in the Texas Wind - Page 3

Red_fortwo · 03-08-2008, 08:48 PM

Drove around Central Florida in the pre-/post-cold front winds that passed through the other areas of the Southeast the past few days. Blown around my lane because the gusts were strong, but never in real danger of losing it. Car speeds between 55 and 75 depending on which quarter the wind approached from.

However, another interesting issue has developed. The tinted Lexan roof panel of my Passion has started to come unstuck in the front driver's corner. Now at speed it whistles and visibly vibrates against the headliner. I called smart center Orlando and Julie was very sweet about getting me an appointment to bring it in Tuesday. I hope we're done with the wind and rain for a couple of days.

Despite the roof panel issue and a passenger airbag sensor that has the "Passenger Airbag Off" and Airbag system failure light alternating off and on when I'm driving alone, I still love the car. The Germans engineered it to be a heck of a vehicle. The French build it like, well, like it's a French car. Anyone who has ever owned a Citroen 2CV would understand....

CruzinSusan · 03-08-2008, 08:49 PM

Here on the Central Oregon Coast, we have winds, fog, foggy winds, breezy sunshine, and rainwalls.

Hills, dales, passing lanes; farmers, fisherman, tourists, and lots of retired folk.

Here, Speed kills. Even over in the Willamette Valley, bisected by I5, with its attendant Weather, Speed kills.

A little urban car, designed for the urban lifestyle, is probably not a good choice for the fast-lane traveller.

In the old days, there was a 'slow lane' on the highways. You could flash your lights at a slow car in the 'fast lane' and he'd move over. Everyone could pass the slowest guy, eventually. Campers, trucks, and families filled the 'slow lane,' and we all got to where we were going. Shoulders were wide, and people stopped to help each other with flats, overheated engines, or a gallon of gas.

Motoring was adventurous. I treasure the memories of preparing for the eight-hour trip to Gram's in Yreka, CA. With picnic lunches, blankets and pillows, bottles, diapers, and a back-up of enerything. The trunk was huge, and the upholstered back seat was ample. Mother called it 'The Back Suite.' (If she could see my smartie - she'd say "Tres chic.")

A lot of that attitude remains, here on the Oregon Coast. There's really not too many places to 'fly.' Unless your're a kite, or an eagle, duck, goose, or a big fat gull.

Seawinds and bridges, narrow roads, busy towns, and wildlife all call for no stupid speeding. Enforcement rocks.

So, I guess I don't have much empathy for the fast drivers. I imagine metro areas have their 'zoomy' opportunities. But, is going really fast always really smart?

gklott · 03-09-2008, 05:50 AM

Spent Saturday driving around our area. Much was at 60-70 mph.

Something must be wrong with our Passion. No driver should need to struggle to keep a car in a traffic lane while operating within the safe speed of the vehicle.

There was no wind, and I felt like I was fighting some times to keep our Smart stable and in our lane. Trying to keep it in the same path in a lane is difficult.

If this continues, I'm going to make an appointment to have the front-end checked and repaired.

Are others having a similar experience?

73/gus

LinuxGuy · 03-09-2008, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gklott

Something must be wrong with our Passion. No driver should need to struggle to keep a car in a traffic lane while operating within the safe speed of the vehicle.

There was no wind, and I felt like I was fighting some times to keep our Smart stable and in our lane. Trying to keep it in the same path in a lane is difficult.

73/gus

With no cross-winds, if you let go of the wheel at any speed, does it veer to the right or left?

LinuxGuy · 03-17-2008, 09:50 PM

The cold tire pressure is suppose to be 29 psi in the front and 36 psi in the rear. However, the dealer put 36 in the front tires and 40 in the rear. So, I lowered the pressure in all 4 tires to the correct pressure this evening. This may help the car ride and handle better overall; especially when the wind is blowing.

LinuxGuy · 03-20-2008, 03:46 PM

The effect of wind gusts on the smart fortwo is something to be concerned about as the car only weights 1800 lbs. Roll the windows down while your driving sometime and you will be amazed at the force of the wind against the car. Opening the windows does help settle the car down when the winds are strong and/or slowing to 60 mph. Also keeping the tire pressure at the recommended 29 front and 36 rear also help.

Interesting discussion on the effect of wind gusts on cars.
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc...0/phy00233.htm

MP3SMART · 03-21-2008, 10:33 AM

I have never felt danger from the winds but they do seem to rock this puppy more than any other vehicle I have ever had. Smallest other car I drove was a Ford Fiesta, biggest was a Ford Explorer Sport trac. Even the motorcycles I have don't get kicked around like the Smart. Still wouldn't trade mine for anything.

Carnut · 03-21-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gklott

Spent Saturday driving around our area. Much was at 60-70 mph.

Something must be wrong with our Passion. No driver should need to struggle to keep a car in a traffic lane while operating within the safe speed of the vehicle.

There was no wind, and I felt like I was fighting some times to keep our Smart stable and in our lane. Trying to keep it in the same path in a lane is difficult.

If this continues, I'm going to make an appointment to have the front-end checked and repaired.

Are others having a similar experience?

73/gus

This is the PRIMARY reason I have mine up for sale. Driving on I95 is totally scary, wind or no wind. I bought a 2005.5 Jetta TDI and it is rock solid, is really averaging 46.6 mpg, has every option conceivable except for backing up signal and paddles, AND HAS a full size tire as a spare! (This is secondary reason for selling my smart - no spare worries me in the long run)