Highway driving

esugrad · 03-09-2009, 06:30 PM

I had my first chance to drive my smart on I-35 to Emporia yesterday, 3/8/09. The smart is not fond of cross winds at all. The short wheelbase, and the top roof, make for a nice crosswind target. We came out of a cut southwest of Ottawa and the backend wanted to kick out. The action was fully controllable.

The electric power steering is nice as the smart tends to want to wander on the hydroplaning cuts in I35 between 435 and Santa Fe in Olathe. It did make my arms a bit tired. That should pass was I get more time on the interstate.

Many folks waving and pointing as they passed by. I spoke to an EMT trainer in Emporia who was concerned about the size of the coupe, but he went away impressed with the interior room, and the safety items built into the car.

A bit over 40 mpg for the 90 minute run to Emporia. Once the wind calmed down, a very pleasant drive back to Kansas City.

jetfuel · 03-09-2009, 07:08 PM

...grad..if the winds you encountered is anything like the ones that hit IL, IN yesterday then I'm surprised you made it home at all...it was really bad.
...yes, the little guys will move some under heavy winds..many will tell you not to over react to it...
...welcome to the site...make yourself at home..

jetfuel...join SCOA...you'll be glad you did

Krootie · 03-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Bad weather in that part of the country yesterday for all vehicles. Came this way to WV through the night, (scared the dog so much she hid under the bed) - some winds clocked at 65 here - we loss power for a couple of hours, too. Trees down. . . . glad to see the sun this afternoon.

Reminds me of that olde song, "Oh, . . oh what a night . . ."

**Suze** · 03-09-2009, 07:25 PM

I like to think of the smart as a more "interactive driving experience".

Macaw · 03-09-2009, 07:39 PM

Had to drive through that wind several times on sunday...I think we got 60mpg+ going with the wind

BTW the wind knocked 4-power poles over a couple of miles from us not a day to have been flying a kite...But the smart was ok just kept the road speed to 55 in the cross winds...

ALSRAC · 03-10-2009, 12:56 AM

Esugrad, you came to Emporia and didn't say hi????
Please next time you come let us know in advance so we can meet here!!!

ltTXsmarty · 03-10-2009, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esugrad

I had my first chance to drive my smart on I-35 to Emporia yesterday, 3/8/09. The smart is not fond of cross winds at all. The short wheelbase, and the top roof, make for a nice crosswind target. We came out of a cut southwest of Ottawa and the backend wanted to kick out. The action was fully controllable.

The electric power steering is nice as the smart tends to want to wander on the hydroplaning cuts in I35 between 435 and Santa Fe in Olathe. It did make my arms a bit tired. That should pass was I get more time on the interstate.

Many folks waving and pointing as they passed by. I spoke to an EMT trainer in Emporia who was concerned about the size of the coupe, but he went away impressed with the interior room, and the safety items built into the car.

A bit over 40 mpg for the 90 minute run to Emporia. Once the wind calmed down, a very pleasant drive back to Kansas City.

DEAR ESUGRAD,

Haven't made the trip up to Kansas yet to visit several of our friends, we've only had Gerdie home for almost three weeks. We here in Texas have had to deal with a lot of wind lately also, can't wait for it to stop but looks like we might get a chance for some needed rain later today.

But then that also means Gerdie will be in the garage to stay dry. Glad I'm not alone with all the pointing. Was out and about the other day to drop off Gerdie's original plates since she has her personalized ones on now and the whole tax office staff and customers were at the window. I was bumbarded by questions when I got into the office. Then to make things worse one of my good friends (who is a Deputy) pulled in behind me and blocked me in with his lights and siren. In fact this evening on my way onto post (Fort Hood) the gate guard (I use that term loosely) had a thousand questions about Gerdie.
Well, when we get up to see our friends in Ottawa and Wichita we might give you a holler just to say HI! Take care and enjoy being SMART!
Gerdie

RUSMRT

smark · 03-10-2009, 06:11 AM

Esugrad, you passed my house along I35/I435. Off 119st. There is a 3-4 mile area pass Olathe on I35 the road is real strange. They cut grooves in the road for rain, and snow. Tires make funny noise, with all our cars.

Our Mo-Kan club went down to Emporia, last fall to visit Alsrac. The wind along I35 blew the crap out of the little cars. I lead. the wind would push me over, the next Smart would get push over, the one behind that Smart, would get push over. It look like long line of Smart snakes, going down the highway. We fought the wind all the way to Emporia.

forestacademy · 03-10-2009, 06:21 AM

One advantage of the smart is its size in the wind. The car only takes up 1/2 a lane so lots of room to recover before you are competing with another car.

NeWave · 03-10-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...grad..if the winds you encountered is anything like the ones that hit IL, IN yesterday then I'm surprised you made it home at all...it was really bad.
...yes, the little guys will move some under heavy winds..many will tell you not to over react to it...
...welcome to the site...make yourself at home..

jetfuel...join SCOA...you'll be glad you did

Those winds were quite fun to drive in... especially on the highway.

Tired out my arms pretty good too...