Avoiding cat's eyes moving between lanes

[JB052]

During a 250 mile drive today mainly on motorways at 70 mph, I tried making smooth lane changes by avoiding the audible 'thump' that occurs as tyres cross the cat's eyes which separate lanes. Virtually impossible in my view, anyone managed to achieve that elusive challenge?

[7mike]

JB052 said:

anyone managed to achieve that elusive challenge?

No, but we have tactile centre lines on a lot of the rural NSL roads round here. Hit the line at different speeds and the hum is a different pitch. I'm trying to figure out how to play a tune on the way home

[Haltamer]

The key is to time lane changes with the Radius of bends where possible I find - Wheelbase also seems to be a big factor, it's much easier in some cars than others!

[JeremyH5]

I try to do this also. It is possible, although I’m not consistent. I find it helps to look at the gaps rather than the cats eyes, a bit like downhill skiers look at the snow rather than the trees. You tend to steer where you are looking.

[Gary C]

I do this, and its fun in a daft way (unless I am in the 911, then its essential !)

[Slowboathome]

I've managed to swerve across without touching them on a couple of occasions.

[cuprabob]

I do this too

[MBVitoria]

Yep I like doing this, something to break up the monotony of a long journey lol.

Wheelbase does seem to help, LWB van much easier.

Think I read somewhere that Sir Stirling Moss was an advocate of using this as practice.

[JB052]

the 'thump' is more noticeable as wheel and tyre size have increased, there must be an optimum speed where its possible on uk motorways without an obvious slalom type motion but I have yet to discover what that speed is.

[FlyingPanda]

I thought I was the only person that did this!

[Pica-Pica]

7mike said:

No, but we have tactile centre lines on a lot of the rural NSL roads round here. Hit the line at different speeds and the hum is a different pitch. I'm trying to figure out how to play a tune on the way home

Yes, I notice this a lot more than cats’ eyes. The hum is quite loud. There seem to be fewer and fewer cats’ eyes now. (I wouldn’t call this thread into an advanced driving slot).

[Xenoous]

I thought I was the only one that did this . Feels like I have to in a Megane RS265 with coilovers....

[5s Alive]

Aim for the cat's eye, you're almost guaranteed to miss it, but will probably hit the next one.

[DaiB]

JeremyH5 said:

I try to do this also. It is possible, although I’m not consistent. I find it helps to look at the gaps rather than the cats eyes, a bit like downhill skiers look at the snow rather than the trees. You tend to steer where you are looking.

There should be a Slalom event too...

[JeremyH5]

DaiB said:

JeremyH5 said:

I try to do this also. It is possible, although I’m not consistent. I find it helps to look at the gaps rather than the cats eyes, a bit like downhill skiers look at the snow rather than the trees. You tend to steer where you are looking.

There should be a Slalom event too...

[Driversmatter]

Sir Jackie Stewart advocated this in advanced driving, not so much to avoid unsettling the car, but the 'crash' transmitted through the cabin.

[Pistom]

If ever there was a thread for BMW Z4 M Coupe owners - this is it.

A few weeks ownership of one of those and you become very skilled at it.

That and precision gear changes which make you feel like your a driving God once you've mastered.

[Majorslow]

Damn i thought it was just me that tried this..... easier when I had a mini over my XC70 now, must be the distance between the wheels

[Gnits]

I've been doing this for years and try to class it as successful if the passenger does not notice I have done anything special - i.e. no huge swerve just to not hit a cats eye.

[Neddy Sea Goon]

Not only do I do this, I have often pondered whether price drivers etc who ferry important people about like royals and politicians are trained to do this to make the ride as smooth as possible for the passengers