The most common problem causing a snap spin or other sudden change in direction is trying to slow down fast once you're committed to a turn. When you back off the throttle, the weight shifts forward and unloads the rear tires. So it's no surprise that the rear loses traction. You were probably just plain going too fast for conditions - but backing off guaranteed you a problem.

We see this all the time on the track. A driver will realize (or, even more often, wrongly think) that he / she overcooked it going into a turn, back off, and lose it rear-end first. It's amazing how far you can throw a car into a turn without losing it if you know what you're doing - stay on the throttle and add correction for oversteer early and often. Sometimes you're just in over your head and you're going to lose it no matter what you do. But backing off guarantees a problem, and you can often get through the turn if you just maintain your speed.

When it's slippery, the limits are much lower but the principle is the same. You can't violate the laws of physics but you can use them to your advantage. People usually underestimate their speed at turn-in (which is why they get into trouble). Then the fear of crashing makes them over-respond and they try to slow down in mid-turn instead of controlling the car with the wheel and throttle.

 

i heard if you put a heffer in the back.. it helps traction

 

You can test the tread by using the penny trick, if you insert the penny upside down into a tread and the tread does not go to Lincolns head the tread is too low. But it sounds like well overdue anyway.

 

Yup, so do I

http://static.flickr.com/19/102256101_ed34f0b702_m.jpg

 

Well, I was about to write the same thing, but I thought you'd be accelerating on an "On Ramp". And braking on an "Off ramp".

 

from my dirtbiking days we used to have a saying... "when in doubt...gas it"

 

I'm working on my 3rd winter in the Z on the STOCK POTENZAS with absolutely ZERO problems at all. (a problem being - spinning out, a wreck, ending up in a ditch, stuck, etc) That's not to say I haven't scared myself silly more times than I would like to admit... but hey... you only live once, right?

 

And wear are you located?

 

+1

 

True...

http://www.toronto.ca/path/index.htm

You're living just north of warm & sunny Buffalo/Rochester, New York.

Geez! It's only 60 degrees here!

http://weather.cnn.com/weather/forecast.jsp?locCode=YYZ

 

Toronto isn't really Canada much in the same way that LALA land is distinctive compared to the rest of the states. If I see a Z in February well, that's just amazing. Fight the cold...and every last drop of reason which tells you pack up your dreams until the spring.

Be safe. Z on.

 

Even though I got the Z in February, I am considering this my first winter. There was a bit of flurries today. Tomorrow is going to be 30 degrees. Good thing I got a beater. I am gonna miss my Z for the next few months

 

http://www.citynews.ca/

like 6 degrees on Sunday! Anyone up for a bbq? I got my "safari shorts" ready
to go! It's BYOBS&Z (bring your own beer, steak and z)

RAOTFLMAO (roll around on the floor laughing my *** off)

*him being sarcastic of course but he will take the Z out for the last weekend of 2006...Z wise that is lol*

 

OKC (oklahoma city). We don't get much snow(which explains why I won't get snow tires).... but we usually get something even better than snow. We get nasty ice storms almost every year(and every year since I've had my Z). People who think snow is bad need to try driving on the roads after a good ice storm... or better yet... after the roads thaw and refreeze over night. You will have a newfound respect for sitting your *** at home.

Driving on solid ice is no joke. The measliest slope/hill will park even the best drivers.

I've attached a link and a few photos to give you the idea, if in doubt.

http://www.noble.org/Press_Release/A...2000/index.htm

 

or old super beatle with snow tires in the back

 

i don't drive my Z during the winter!
and i can't see any Z on the street during the winter!
i am in winnipeg

 

The old Beetle was good in the snow, but the heating system sucked!

 

I think you should get summer tires for the summer, and new winter tires for the winter. The only weather the Z cant handle with snow tires is when the snow is deeper than 6" (which is rare in Toronto). All of those other conditions (icy roads etc.) apply to all cars not just the Z.

 

Accelerate too much and the fear hits. Back off and spin because weight shifts forward when you unload the rear. Stay on the gas, unwind the wheel a bit to correct if you're getting loose, and you'll probably make it unless you're really overcooked - then nothing you can do will save you.

A lot of ramps (on and off) seem to have a decreasing radius, too - if it tightens up on you (or it even looks like it does because of the way they shape or position the edge barriers), you've got the same problem.

 

LOL i remember that too Sargent!