Lost control of my car, have some questions.

chrisfpv · 10-02-2010, 07:47 PM

Hey everyone,

About 1pm today I had a huge smile on my face as a rare outburst of rain came down. I'm not sure what it was like in other parts of melbourne but it was absolutely bucketing where i'm from.

Long story short I accidently (I put accidently in bold because it was really an accident) turned around a corner when the back of my BA XR6 lost traction and went out sideways.

Having never been in a situation like this before, I panicked and didn't know how to react or control the steering wheel and when the traction control kicked in, it whiped me in the opposite direction over a curb.

Inspecting my car it seems that so far the damage isn't "major" but it's still damage. From the looks of things I have a nicely sized bubble in one of my back tyres and my left fog light is hanging out.

Here are my questions:

1. What exactly have I done to my tyre? It looks normal apart from this bubble buldging from it. Is it going to explode and do I need to change my tyre asap?

2. The fog light seems to be intact and is just hanging out of the hole it sits in. Is fixing this as simple as wedging it back into the hole or do I need to do something else?

Any help is appreciated.

Franco Cozzo · 10-02-2010, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

Hey everyone,

About 1pm today I had a huge smile on my face as a rare outburst of rain came down. I'm not sure what it was like in other parts of melbourne but it was absolutely bucketing where i'm from.

Long story short I accidently (I put accidently in bold because it was really an accident) turned around a corner when the back of my BA XR6 lost traction and went out sideways.

Having never been in a situation like this before, I panicked and didn't know how to react or control the steering wheel and when the traction control kicked in, it whiped me in the opposite direction over a curb.

Inspecting my car it seems that so far the damage isn't "major" but it's still damage. From the looks of things I have a nicely sized bubble in one of my back tyres and my left fog light is hanging out.

Here are my questions:

1. What exactly have I done to my tyre? It looks normal apart from this bubble buldging from it. Is it going to explode and do I need to change my tyre asap?

2. The fog light seems to be intact and is just hanging out of the hole it sits in. Is fixing this as simple as wedging it back into the hole or do I need to do something else?

Any help is appreciated.

The rain you went into, did that happen to be near Sunbury? Because I was driving on Melbourne Lancefield Road and the storm hit so hard that it blew all those reflectors with the rubber bases over in the middle of the road, and threw roadsigns onto the road, plus the rain was coming down so hard even with the wipers on full you couldn't see and we where aquaplaning a lot too.

Had to slow down to about 15km/h and my driving instructor called off the lesson because it was day too dangerous to drive in.

chrisfpv · 10-02-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

The rain you went into, did that happen to be near Sunbury? Because I was driving on Melbourne Lancefield Road and the storm hit so hard that it blew all those reflectors with the rubber bases over in the middle of the road, and threw roadsigns onto the road, plus the rain was coming down so hard even with the wipers on full you couldn't see and we where aquaplaning a lot too.

Had to slow down to about 15km/h and my driving instructor called off the lesson because it was day too dangerous to drive in.

Yeah mate, it was in Sunbury.

Franco Cozzo · 10-02-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

Yeah mate, it was in Sunbury.

You had to be crazy to be going more than 20km/h in that storm, gotta drive to the conditions buddy

It got to a point where there was about 7 or 8 drivers pulled up on the side of the road, waiting for it to pass.

kenz · 10-02-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

About 1pm today I had a huge smile on my face as a rare outburst of rain came down.

why would you include that in a thread about 'accidently' loosing control in the wet

chrisfpv · 10-02-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenz

why would you include that in a thread about 'accidently' loosing control in the wet

I put that in because these last couple of weeks have been unbelievably hot and I really was happy to see it raining for a change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copie

Takes a fair bit to kick a rear end out even when its streaming down, on a NA xr6, unless the tyres are cactus already.

The tyres are pretty low on tread, probably not the best for driving in the wet.

kenz · 10-02-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

I put that in because these last couple of weeks have been unbelievably hot and I really was happy to see it raining for a change.

The tyres are pretty low on tread, probably not the best for driving in the wet.

lol fair enough. I just know what some people are like thats all, obviously you aren't one of them

goodluck with the damage. Maybe look into some courses, they are great

pauljh74 · 10-02-2010, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

I put that in because these last couple of weeks have been unbelievably hot and I really was happy to see it raining for a change.

Haven't seen a drop over in the south east of Melb. Just finished pouring the water from a washing load over what was a very dry garden.

When it has been hot dry and then it rains, extra care is needed as all the dirt and oil that has built up on the road - add water and it becomes a bit too slick. There's usually more grip in the wet when there is regular rain. Plus there's coolant drips as cars swelter in the heat and cooling systems are pushed towards the limit. Coolant = oily = slippery when added to wet roads.

04redxr8 · 10-02-2010, 10:17 PM

Firstly, traction control kills the power. I have no idea how it spun you around.

Secondly, the tyres let you down, why would you want to fix them???

There is a lot more to tyres than just tread depth. Tyres do deteriorate with age. The rubber dries and goes hard reducing the grip available. Been lots of stories recently abouit tyre shops selling old (age) tyres that are new, but have a limited life. Maybe do a search here for "tyre dating" or similar. That, plus a couple of driving courses, should help. (Don't do it on the road, You should already know why).

Also, when you do buy new tyres, don't go cheap. They are the only things keeping you on the road.

Copie · 10-02-2010, 07:51 PM

1: Bubble isnt good news, means that its seperated ply's, you need to change the tyre asap, its something you cant just drive with it like that. I assume its on the sidewall? also get your rims checked as you have most probably bent one.

2: Depends if its broken the mounts for it or not, best bet is to rip off the front bar and have a look.

Takes a fair bit to kick a rear end out even when its streaming down, on a NA xr6, unless the tyres are cactus already.

FPV+fteT3 · 10-02-2010, 07:52 PM

The tyre is cactus and needs replacing ASAP
The light just clips in from the back remove the bottom splash cover and its easy to do if you still cant get your hand in turn the front wheels and remove the lower screws or scrivets from the inner plastic mud guard.

XR2DOOR · 10-02-2010, 07:53 PM

tyres finished u need a new one

**Peuty** · 10-02-2010, 07:54 PM

The tyre is rooted.

Also, get your backside here ASAP http://www.deca.com.au/Courses.aspx?...icle%20-%20Car

**cs123** · 10-02-2010, 07:58 PM

Can I suggest you go to a skid pan day to learn some car control.

XR6_661 · 11-02-2010, 09:20 AM

Jesus Christ, listen to you all.

The bloke made an honest mistake.

He lost control in the wet ffs.

It's happened to me and I've done defensive driving courses. Oh, and my car is a single pegger N/A XR6. These things happen.

As for the topic, mate your tyre would be shagged. Also, get someone to check over suspension/steering components/etc...a nice sideways hit on a kerb could do some damage which may not be obvious.

i.e. when I lost control in the wet and hit a cane paddock at full tilt, I bent my left rear trailing arm.

Anyways, I'm sure you've learnt from this experience! I know I did when it happened to me.

TheInterceptor · 10-02-2010, 07:59 PM

Would probobly be a good idea to change all 4 tyres.

BLOWNXR8UTE · 10-02-2010, 08:00 PM

sounds to me like ya wernt driving to suit the conditions Hahaha!
Anyway, Copie is correct.
Maybe with the light, there are 2 flat clips top and bottom i think?
Have a go at pushing it straight back in.

Hows ya rim? chances are ya buckled it if it was a decent hit.

chrisfpv · 10-02-2010, 08:01 PM

Alright so from the sounds of it my tyre is finished? I have a spare so that's not so bad but can the tyre be repaired? I don't really want to be driving around without a spare for long.

**Peuty** · 10-02-2010, 08:02 PM

You cannot repair a tyre.

chrisfpv · 10-02-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

You had to be crazy to be going more than 20km/h in that storm, gotta drive to the conditions buddy

It got to a point where there was about 7 or 8 drivers pulled up on the side of the road, waiting for it to pass.

Yeah, it was pretty bad. When I was driving it had died of a tad from its worst, but was still going fairly hard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

You cannot repair a tyre.

Damn, thats a bummer.

Quote:

How much throttle and speed were you carrying for traction control to do that?

I didn't think I was doing a speed that could induce what happened. I was driving up to the round about and was turning left, I looked and there were no cars so I slowed down enough to go left without actually coming to a complete stop.

When I started to turn left I put my foot on the accelerator (not to hard but obv hard enough) to continue along and it happened. Like I said never being in this situation before it came as a shock and i've definitely noted the speed I was going for future reference when driving in the rain.

**Dave R** · 10-02-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

Long story short I accidently (I put accidently in bold because it was really an accident) turned around a corner when the back of my BA XR6 lost traction and went out sideways.

Having never been in a situation like this before, I panicked and didn't know how to react or control the steering wheel and when the traction control kicked in, it whiped me in the opposite direction over a curb.

A little flick of opposite lock could have saved you here. Next time it rains, find an empty industrial cul-de-sac (the huge ones where semi trailers do U turns) after business hours of course, and get a feel for how to control your car when the rear comes out. You don't need to be hooning, just turn into it with a little more throttle than usual, wait for the rear to come out slightly and teach yourself to correct it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

2. The fog light seems to be intact and is just hanging out of the hole it sits in. Is fixing this as simple as wedging it back into the hole or do I need to do something else?

Any help is appreciated.

I don't know about Falcon, but with Territory there is a kind of backing plate behind the front bar that can break. I had a spill with the Territory once and the foglight was hanging out the same as you described - the platic plate behind was busted. Relatively cheap to fix if it is the case.

Mr12345678x · 10-02-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

A little flick of opposite lock could have saved you here. Next time it rains, find an empty industrial cul-de-sac (the huge ones where semi trailers do U turns) after business hours of course, and get a feel for how to control your car when the rear comes out. You don't need to be hooning, just turn into it with a little more throttle than usual, wait for the rear to come out slightly and teach yourself to correct it.

Probably avoid this, it takes one phone call for the police to show up and these crazy hoon laws to get you into trouble (try explaining what you're doing in an industrial area at night in the rain)

**Dave R** · 10-02-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juzza

Probably avoid this, it takes one phone call for the police to show up and these crazy hoon laws to get you into trouble (try explaining what you're doing in an industrial area at night in the rain)

Unless you're being an idiot doing donuts etc you shouldn't run into any trouble.. unless you have a loud exhaust that will generate attention.

Copie · 10-02-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Unless you're being an idiot doing donuts etc you shouldn't run into any trouble.. unless you have a loud exhaust that will generate attention.

Incorrect.

Havent you seen the news lately, you will get turned into a scapegoat if you get caught.

OP why dont you take a drive into quite literally the middle of nowhere, then do it in an empty paddock/extreme back road.

**Dave R** · 10-02-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copie

Incorrect.

Havent you seen the news lately, you will get turned into a scapegoat if you get caught.

I forgot, pretty much everything is classified as hooning these days

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

I've just skimmed over my BA owners manual but can't seem to find where on a BA XR6 you're meant to place the car jack when changing a tyre, anyone know?

Depends which end of the car, but there will be jack points under the side skirt (along the metal frame), there should be small bumps to indicate their position.

Outback · 11-02-2010, 07:31 AM

[QUOTE=Adrenaline]A little flick of opposite lock could have saved you here. Next time it rains, find an empty industrial cul-de-sac (the huge ones where semi trailers do U turns) after business hours of course, and get a feel for how to control your car when the rear comes out. You don't need to be hooning, just turn into it with a little more throttle than usual, wait for the rear to come out slightly and teach yourself to correct it.

And make sure you got a lift home after the police impound your car for a few months.only a moron would tell him to go do a stupid thing like that.

just_pazz · 11-02-2010, 07:53 AM

[QUOTE=Outback]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

A little flick of opposite lock could have saved you here. Next time it rains, find an empty industrial cul-de-sac (the huge ones where semi trailers do U turns) after business hours of course, and get a feel for how to control your car when the rear comes out. You don't need to be hooning, just turn into it with a little more throttle than usual, wait for the rear to come out slightly and teach yourself to correct it.

And make sure you got a lift home after the police impound your car for a few months.only a moron would tell him to go do a stupid thing like that.

Mate so you think it's better that young drivers go drive around with no concept of how to handle their vehicles in an emergency situation because of the small chance you may get you car impounded?

Think I'd rather have no car than no life tbh.

Yes ABS/traction/ESP will save me.... Why would I need to learn to drive?

pottery beige · 11-02-2010, 08:20 AM

The only place to learn car control is at driver training, not in written form on a forum.. Too many variable's i can see how i've copped a bagging fair call.. You would be mad to hit the pick's mid way through a big broady going around a bend and end up in the scenery.. I was going on what i've been shown low speed stuff eg.. Round about speed.. It work's and if in doubt just do it.. Of course you get the next level of skid recovery where you control it like a bloody champ and recover.. Fair call.. Just too many variable's, car's, condition's etc everyone's skill level is different.. And i'll take it on the chin like a champ

Karnage · 10-02-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

Hey everyone,
Long story short I accidently (I put accidently in bold because it was really an accident) turned around a corner when the back of my BA XR6 lost traction and went out sideways.

Having never been in a situation like this before, I panicked and didn't know how to react or control the steering wheel and when the traction control kicked in, it whiped me in the opposite direction over a curb.
.

How much throttle and speed were you carrying for traction control to do that?

Copie · 10-02-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karnage

How much throttle and speed were you carrying for traction control to do that?

Being an NA 6 with no doubt an open diff, a fair bit id say.