How do you find it to drive in this bad weather?
Discussion
Hello all,
I would like to hear comments and experiences from driving in wintery weather. Vantage owners primarily, but others welcome
.
I have recently used my new (to me) V8V a few times in serious rain. I prefer not to do it, as I'm aware that big tyres can aquaplane and, as a sports car it's a little more snappy and quick to "go" than a saloon. I also want to keep it dry and tidy naturally! However I have been very surprised in the wet so far. It still seems to have lots and lots of grip. The one patch of standing water that I hit didn't seem to phase the car. I notice that the traction control will cut in if you're heavy with the throttle but it seems to help rather than hinder or hold you back. There was just one unexpected moment when I strayed onto a frosty/mushy/leafy strip that was left between the tyre marks on a B road. Overall though there appears to be plenty of feel about what is going on back there and this inspires confidence.
How have your experiences been - have you had any scary moments? Or aquaplaning? How did you find the Bridgestone RE050A tyres, compared with other tyres? Are these intended for rain, or are they one of those tyres that's designed for the dry?
I would like to hear comments and experiences from driving in wintery weather. Vantage owners primarily, but others welcome
.I have recently used my new (to me) V8V a few times in serious rain. I prefer not to do it, as I'm aware that big tyres can aquaplane and, as a sports car it's a little more snappy and quick to "go" than a saloon. I also want to keep it dry and tidy naturally! However I have been very surprised in the wet so far. It still seems to have lots and lots of grip. The one patch of standing water that I hit didn't seem to phase the car. I notice that the traction control will cut in if you're heavy with the throttle but it seems to help rather than hinder or hold you back. There was just one unexpected moment when I strayed onto a frosty/mushy/leafy strip that was left between the tyre marks on a B road. Overall though there appears to be plenty of feel about what is going on back there and this inspires confidence.
How have your experiences been - have you had any scary moments? Or aquaplaning? How did you find the Bridgestone RE050A tyres, compared with other tyres? Are these intended for rain, or are they one of those tyres that's designed for the dry?
I used my Vantage during the first two winters of ownership, but this year, it has been 'tucked up' in a warm, dehumidified garage.
Even on an apparently dry winter day, the road surfaces often remain slightly damp, and that made me nervous about having fun, driving through fast sweeping bends.
That famous comment about most drivers never reaching the limits of their Aston, is certainly true for me on damp roads.
been driving mine all year on OE Bridgestones, since 2007 ...done 65k miles and its surprisingly good in all weathers...at worse it will understeer a bit in the wet if you are pressing on. Occasionally see the flicker of traction control light when coming out of slow speed bends ..thats about it
Of course the wide tyres are not good on snow...I take the Range Rover on winter tyres if its bad
The Vantage is 1.6 ton so its not like driving an Elise or Caterham in the wet...which aquaplane at much lower speeds due to lack of weight
just drive to the conditions really...nothing to be wary of in particular...although its not much fun coming home with a muddy car each day. Ive given up trying to keep it clean now
Of course the wide tyres are not good on snow...I take the Range Rover on winter tyres if its bad
The Vantage is 1.6 ton so its not like driving an Elise or Caterham in the wet...which aquaplane at much lower speeds due to lack of weight
just drive to the conditions really...nothing to be wary of in particular...although its not much fun coming home with a muddy car each day. Ive given up trying to keep it clean now
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