Good input, bumble. Real experience speaks volumes. Thanks.

<=== Wind in hair.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

This is my biggest negative

If I sell my smart it will be due to its behavior on the highway at speeds over 60. I understand why PAG touts it as a "city" car and why they do not offer cruise control. I've owned some really light cars, Renault Dauphine, VW bug, 2 dr Corvair, bug eye sprite, etc. and never had a car so squirrely on the highways.

P.S. This happens without any wind!!!!

 

hmmm, can't say I mind mine at all on the highway at speeds up to 75 or 80 at least unless there is quite a lot of wind. When there has been a good bit of wind, I found slowing it down about 10 mph seemed to make it fine. Certainly prefer my smart on the highway in wind more than my motorcycle.

 

I'm probably with Steven on this one. After riding a Harley for years and being banged around by drafts and winds, I can't imagine the smart can be any worse.

 

smarts have a lot of sail area and a short wheel base. There are cars trucks and busses that do better in side wind conditions. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the car did on a very blustery day here. Not Texas sized but gusts to 50mph+. Looking for a highway cruzer look elsewhere.
karl

 

Got to agree here. If ya ride a motorcycle ya know about wind. Might check tire pressure and maybe highway grooves. They are murder on bikes, might be the same for Carnut. My Corvair is a bit loose now, old 1965, but still drives pretty good on aslphalt. Doesnt like the rain grooves. I think I need to do the ball joints. Anyway even my 1 ton truck gets the wind routine and it weighs almost 3 tons empty.

 

We don't get a lot of heavy wind here in middle TN, but today I took mine on the Interstate and when large trucks went past I could feel the sensation you may have felt - I think. Part of what you may be feeling could be agrivated by the fast steering ratio. A cross wind makes many people rapidly turn the wheel against the force, thereby overcorrecting. Next time loosen your grip some, let the car settle when it moves - unless it is a force 5 hurricane. Then ease the wheel against the thrust and see if that doesn't help your feeling of confidence. Reminds me of when I started racing and coming from street cars at the time that had so many turns since it was before P.S. was so common.

 

Wind and Stability

I have made an interesting observation today. Here in Florida we have weather that makes it possible to drive with open windows or with closed windows and A/C on.
Let me tell you...I was surprised how the car settled down with the windows open. I thought that there was a significant difference in control.
I would like to hear from others about this phenomenon.

 

Blown around

Picked up our vehicle yesterday, Wed. Mar. 5, in Round Rock.

Drove this afternoon, Thurs. March 6, on Hwy 281 from Johnson City to Marble Falls. Speed 60-65 mph. Winds NW 5-10 gusting 20+.

I fought the steering all the way North. I was all over the road - white knuckles. Coming back south, the wind impact was much less. Seemed OK driving in I-35 in Austin, but there was little wind.

I am wondering if the car is usable on Texas highways, or is this just a town car?

Anyone else driving in the Hill Country?

73/gus Johnson City, TX

 

I have been all around the area with mine. It takes a bit of practice to drive it in the wind, but resisting the urge to grip the wheel too tightly helps. Most of my commute is highway driving. Weekends the wife and I spend more time in the city with it, but so far I don't mind the highway driving near as much as I did the first couple times I drove it in high wind.

 

Driving in Heavy Wind - Central North Carolina

I had the Smart out in heavy wind today in NC. I drove from Greensboro to Winston-Salem on Highway 311 and Interstate 40 (about 25 miles) in a 30 MPH cross-wind with gusts upwards of 50 MPH. While, I never felt the car would tip, we were definately all over the road and had to really concentrate to keep the car in lane without hitting cars in the other lanes. The problem was a little better if you could run a little slower at 45-50 MPH, but here in NASCAR country that is a great way to get yourself killed on I-40. The combination of high-crosswinds and 70-75 MPH on the interstate was tricky and reminded my wife of being in a small boat in rough waves

The situation seemed to worsen when you would get a heavy gust in conjunction with a passing big rig and swirling winds. The car would buffet heavily and bacame a little unpredictable, but never the less we made it over and back. I am not saying not to drive in high cross-winds, but in hind site I should driven the ML.

However, I would suggest if you have less than experienced drivers in this type of weather, you might want to reconsider allowing them to drive your Smart while opting for something a bit heavier.

 

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....

 

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?

 

Stability Concern

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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/askasci/phy00/phy00233.htm

 

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.