Optimal temperature?
Discussion
Well, as I already said I have ordered my first Caterham (and I am 36 years old 
).
Commercial delivery date is during April, but CC had a cancellation and they seem to have an open slot for January, the dealer is pushing CC to get that slot for me. I cannot explain to you how excited I am. And this excitement makes me wonder many, many things.
Being one of them: temperature. I know some of you are happy to drive in freezing conditions, but as I am not sure if car will be delivered in winter or during spring (remember I live in South France), I would like to know what is your optimal range of temperatures for driving (top and bottom).
Taking into consideration my uncalibrated thermometer (aka my girlfriend) I think we could drive easily at around 10ºC in the low scale, but what about the top? What is the maximum temperature you are comfortable with?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
).Commercial delivery date is during April, but CC had a cancellation and they seem to have an open slot for January, the dealer is pushing CC to get that slot for me. I cannot explain to you how excited I am. And this excitement makes me wonder many, many things.
Being one of them: temperature. I know some of you are happy to drive in freezing conditions, but as I am not sure if car will be delivered in winter or during spring (remember I live in South France), I would like to know what is your optimal range of temperatures for driving (top and bottom).
Taking into consideration my uncalibrated thermometer (aka my girlfriend) I think we could drive easily at around 10ºC in the low scale, but what about the top? What is the maximum temperature you are comfortable with?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Now I am lost. Maybe it is my English, as I am not native. I'm sorry.
My question is related to the driver and co-driver comfort. Where I live (South France) and where I come from (South Spain), it may be very hot during summer time, and I guess driving in the sun at 40º Celsius is not the best idea, but, who knows? Maybe it is!
In what range of temperatures are you comfortable driving?
My question is related to the driver and co-driver comfort. Where I live (South France) and where I come from (South Spain), it may be very hot during summer time, and I guess driving in the sun at 40º Celsius is not the best idea, but, who knows? Maybe it is!
In what range of temperatures are you comfortable driving?
Depends on the car and the engine.
I've driven mine at around 10 C (or slightly lower) and it's been fine. Get the heater going, put on some jeans and a windproof jacket and you'll be fine).
Upper temp? Not really sure. When I rented a Sigma 125 from Caterham, it was about 20 to 25 C outside and in traffic my legs were pretty hot from the engine heat. I haven't had that issue at all in my 140 so I think it could go a bit higher.
I can't imagine I'll experience the upper limit here in the UK
I've driven mine at around 10 C (or slightly lower) and it's been fine. Get the heater going, put on some jeans and a windproof jacket and you'll be fine).
Upper temp? Not really sure. When I rented a Sigma 125 from Caterham, it was about 20 to 25 C outside and in traffic my legs were pretty hot from the engine heat. I haven't had that issue at all in my 140 so I think it could go a bit higher.
I can't imagine I'll experience the upper limit here in the UK
As the saying goes "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing"
I have driven in 30c plus and as long as I wear long trousers and keep the sun off balding head I am OK. Shorts can get a bit sweaty on a long journey with the heat soak but maybe a bit more insulation to the tunnel would do it.
I have driven in 30c plus and as long as I wear long trousers and keep the sun off balding head I am OK. Shorts can get a bit sweaty on a long journey with the heat soak but maybe a bit more insulation to the tunnel would do it.
Mmm, good and bad news 
My car will be a Sigma 125 and we do not usually complain a lot about cold conditions; I also understand there will be a good heat transfer to the cockpit... Bad news is this will also happen in high temperatures!
But it is very good to know that wearing long trousers would help. Thanks for the tip!
Does anybody remember the name of the F1? pilot who used to soak a towel in water and put it on his legs when racing in high temperatures? Do you think that could be effective?
Not that I am worried, just being curious
My car will be a Sigma 125 and we do not usually complain a lot about cold conditions; I also understand there will be a good heat transfer to the cockpit... Bad news is this will also happen in high temperatures!
But it is very good to know that wearing long trousers would help. Thanks for the tip!
Does anybody remember the name of the F1? pilot who used to soak a towel in water and put it on his legs when racing in high temperatures? Do you think that could be effective?
Not that I am worried, just being curious
Edited by Benur on Thursday 7th March 16:51
If you intend to use the car in the heat, it may be worth researching how people have used different types of heat reflective material to line the gearbox tunnel and outside of the passenger footwells (i.e. in the engine bay), to decrease the amount of under bonnet heat that is transferred into the cockpit.
Benur
I have a CSR 260, which is one of the worst cars for heat soak (it was after they came out that Caterham started insulating the footwells on some cars). I have driven it when the temperature is well below freezing (-5?) and also when it has been hot (40+).
I find it comfortable to drive between about 15 and 25 degrees, but need to take extra thought outside of that. My very rough guide is:
Below zero - think coat, gloves, hat, scarf and thick trousers (or + tights), heater on full. Ignore other drivers looking at you strangely (or laughing madly if you still have an aero screen on)
Below 10 - warm coat, gloves and maybe a hat, heater on full
Below 15 - wind proof coat. Maybe gloves, heater on
Above 25 - shorts and shirt only
above 35 - pray you don't get stuck in traffic in the sun. Have water with you it will be tepid, but will stop dehydration
Above 40 - you realise you have bought a mobile sauna. Keep the car in the shade as much as possible. Cover the branding irons (seatbelt buckles) when you leave the car. Get out of he car to take on fluids every hour or so. You start to hallucinate about Nice scenic views with an ice cold drink ...
And all of the above result in a big grin on your face!
Steve
I have a CSR 260, which is one of the worst cars for heat soak (it was after they came out that Caterham started insulating the footwells on some cars). I have driven it when the temperature is well below freezing (-5?) and also when it has been hot (40+).
I find it comfortable to drive between about 15 and 25 degrees, but need to take extra thought outside of that. My very rough guide is:
Below zero - think coat, gloves, hat, scarf and thick trousers (or + tights), heater on full. Ignore other drivers looking at you strangely (or laughing madly if you still have an aero screen on)
Below 10 - warm coat, gloves and maybe a hat, heater on full
Below 15 - wind proof coat. Maybe gloves, heater on
Above 25 - shorts and shirt only
above 35 - pray you don't get stuck in traffic in the sun. Have water with you it will be tepid, but will stop dehydration
Above 40 - you realise you have bought a mobile sauna. Keep the car in the shade as much as possible. Cover the branding irons (seatbelt buckles) when you leave the car. Get out of he car to take on fluids every hour or so. You start to hallucinate about Nice scenic views with an ice cold drink ...
And all of the above result in a big grin on your face!
Steve
Hahahaha, quite funny!
I'll take that guide to my "Caterham hints and tips", even if it is not my intention to drive on the 40s, it may happen some time - in this case I think you are only missing "Point your nose to the nearest beach"
I have lived several years in Seville and during summer I have seen 46º in the shadow and over 50º in the sun (even if I think that the street thermometer was reaching its limits). The best thing you can do basically is avoiding driving at sunniest hours (siesta is perfect for that).
And I do not know if the "continental" Caterhams come with different/extra insulation, but it seems that our american colleagues have been already struggling with that (thanks for the advice, fergus):
http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?s=df7139969bf9b...
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152/need-caterham...
Will continue research...
I'll take that guide to my "Caterham hints and tips", even if it is not my intention to drive on the 40s, it may happen some time - in this case I think you are only missing "Point your nose to the nearest beach"
I have lived several years in Seville and during summer I have seen 46º in the shadow and over 50º in the sun (even if I think that the street thermometer was reaching its limits). The best thing you can do basically is avoiding driving at sunniest hours (siesta is perfect for that
).And I do not know if the "continental" Caterhams come with different/extra insulation, but it seems that our american colleagues have been already struggling with that (thanks for the advice, fergus):
http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?s=df7139969bf9b...
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152/need-caterham...
Will continue research...
My S3 chassis 7 has no carpet or tunnel insulation and a CSR 260 engine (makes a good deal of heat in a small engine bay), and I don't find the heat unbearable. Last year, I drove through central California with the temperature around 38°-39°C, but only for about two hours. No problem. I was wearing shorts, long sleeved t-shirt, and lots of sun block. My car is LHD with exhaust on the right, and has an aeroscreen fitted - I am sure these things helped a lot. It will probably help you that you normally live in a warm place, so your body will be used to such conditions. Have fun, sir!
Edited by BBL-Sean on Tuesday 18th December 16:47
Yes, Sean, I am done to warm temperatures, what I am not done is to heating 
Thing is with the LHD and exhaust on the right, I do not want my girl to "melt" (at least in that sense).
As somebody pointed out in the american forums, if I have any problem:
"step 1 is to eliminate any leaks into the footpedal area. step 2 is to insulate the area. step 3 would be to put a vent in to bring fresh air in. step 4 would be to remove the hood or windshield"
I think that letting the "doors" on the car does not help at all :-)
Thing is with the LHD and exhaust on the right, I do not want my girl to "melt" (at least in that sense).
As somebody pointed out in the american forums, if I have any problem:
"step 1 is to eliminate any leaks into the footpedal area. step 2 is to insulate the area. step 3 would be to put a vent in to bring fresh air in. step 4 would be to remove the hood or windshield"
I think that letting the "doors" on the car does not help at all :-)
Well I've taken an Atom out in below zero temps, so a Caterham with some bodywork and a heater is pure luxury
Re the other end of the scale, would it not be useful to have a half hood to provide some shade whilst driving ? I know in previous convertible cars, at midday on a seriously hot day I've been inclined to pop the hood up for a bit.
Dave.
Re the other end of the scale, would it not be useful to have a half hood to provide some shade whilst driving ? I know in previous convertible cars, at midday on a seriously hot day I've been inclined to pop the hood up for a bit.
Dave.
Good point Citrus, I also have that in mind, but then after a small ride and the top being black I guess that heat radiation would be high anyway. And as I am used to the sun, it should be OK whilst we use sun protection cream and air is running... personal choice only, but thanks!
For your info, on top of the 4 previous steps, I have also found some very "practical" and maybe "nice to see" solution, a kind of intake on the bonnet that makes air circulate in the cockpit (again, pardon my English):
http://usa7s.com/vb/showpost.php?p=21801&postc...
So far this is the most "cool" solution I have found so far. Some people place also use a circle metal plate in the interior so you can open/close it on demand (sorry I cannot explain it clearer).
For your info, on top of the 4 previous steps, I have also found some very "practical" and maybe "nice to see" solution, a kind of intake on the bonnet that makes air circulate in the cockpit (again, pardon my English):
http://usa7s.com/vb/showpost.php?p=21801&postc...
So far this is the most "cool" solution I have found so far. Some people place also use a circle metal plate in the interior so you can open/close it on demand (sorry I cannot explain it clearer).
Benur
I am glad you liked it - it was intended to be funny, but is still a reasonable idea of what you need to wear indifferent temperatures.
I only have a full hood, but that gets very hot very quickly - see 40+ guide even when the temperature is only 20. If I have to put a hood on in these conditions I often have to drive with the bottom of the door held open with my elbow to get some air in.... A half hood doesn't have this problem though and was used successfully on the Tour7 USA trip when they went to LasVegas and Death Valley.
Steve
I am glad you liked it - it was intended to be funny, but is still a reasonable idea of what you need to wear indifferent temperatures.
I only have a full hood, but that gets very hot very quickly - see 40+ guide even when the temperature is only 20. If I have to put a hood on in these conditions I often have to drive with the bottom of the door held open with my elbow to get some air in.... A half hood doesn't have this problem though and was used successfully on the Tour7 USA trip when they went to LasVegas and Death Valley.
Steve
Benur said:
Good point Citrus, I also have that in mind, but then after a small ride and the top being black I guess that heat radiation would be high anyway..
Ah, but you can choose any colour you want http://www.softbitsshop.co.uk/the-half-hood-modula...i drove mine Roadsport 175 from about 5°C (really carefully because of CR500 tyres :-) ) only with the screen and sidescreens, flying jacket, hat and goggles (like WWI pilot),heater on and no problem.
When temperature rises above 25°C, it´s better to wear hats or some protection for your head, beacause of the wind, you don´t feel the sun shining so intensive and you can get burned really easily. And if you keep a bottle in the car, it will get hot, wherever you put it :-D
When temperature rises above 25°C, it´s better to wear hats or some protection for your head, beacause of the wind, you don´t feel the sun shining so intensive and you can get burned really easily. And if you keep a bottle in the car, it will get hot, wherever you put it :-D
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