unwanted oversteer
Discussion
I know 'unwanted oversteer' is a bit of an oxymoron on Pistonheads, we all love oversteer but my daughter's clio seems to have massive amounts on lift off as soon as the roads get the slightest bit wet/greasy. Tracking, camber, brakes etc are all fine, tyres are cheapish but not rubbish and almost new. It's only a 1.2 16v so I really can't see why it's so severe. It goes sideways on a wet roundabout easier than my MX5. It's nice and controllable but not really suitable for a 17 year old on her first car . Are they all like this or can anyone suggest what might be wrong?
Small French hatchbacks are all in the lift-off oversteer club.
Trick would be to change driving style, last time I checked maintaining constant speed was a test requirement and a throttle isn't a switch. Instead of lifting off, try just backing off the throttle a bit and maintaining revs at something low steady whilst navigating bends/roundabouts.
Trick would be to change driving style, last time I checked maintaining constant speed was a test requirement and a throttle isn't a switch. Instead of lifting off, try just backing off the throttle a bit and maintaining revs at something low steady whilst navigating bends/roundabouts.
It is 'lift off' oversteer and quite easy to control but far too sensitive in my opinion. I've changed the steering rack and wishbones recently and it's just been through an MOT this week so droplinks, bushes etc should be ok although I never did anything with them. Are they likely to make a difference?
BULLITT Rich said:
Small French hatchbacks are all in the lift-off oversteer club.
Trick would be to change driving style, last time I checked maintaining constant speed was a test requirement and a throttle isn't a switch. Instead of lifting off, try just backing off the throttle a bit and maintaining revs at something low steady whilst navigating bends/roundabouts.
There's no way you should have to do that in a modern hatchback though. If all Clios were like that there'd be thousands of them flying off the roads every day.Trick would be to change driving style, last time I checked maintaining constant speed was a test requirement and a throttle isn't a switch. Instead of lifting off, try just backing off the throttle a bit and maintaining revs at something low steady whilst navigating bends/roundabouts.
Geekman said:
There's no way you should have to do that in a modern hatchback though. If all Clios were like that there'd be thousands of them flying off the roads every day.
Agreed.Start off with checking tyre pressures, then get the full four-wheel alignment checked. Is it similarly tail-happy turning both ways, or do you mostly notice on r'a'bs (so turning right)? Wouldn't surprise me if something was less than straight.
John D. said:
The tyres might just be too old as well.
True- check the DOT code OP. A while ago I had to replace the rear tyres on my mum's Corsa even though they had 4mm left as they were hardening and cracking. From now on when the front tyres wear out I'll rotate the part worn rears to the front and but the new tyres on the back.Assuming they're the same tyres front and back so you can't swap them round to see if it makes a difference, I guess you could fiddle with the tyre pressures? Little bit softer at the back, harder at the front. Just as the cheapest bodge really...ideally you should get some decent tyres on there. This is all assuming there isn't actually a fault with the car or the geometry is out etc.
My Xsara VTS was very oversteery...I wouldn't say more so than an MX5 but probably harder to control when it did go. I presume you've briefed her on how to prevent it sliding/what to do when it does slide? Planting the throttle as well as countersteering and the importance of getting the lock off just before it grips again etc. That last bit is what tends to catch out inexperienced drivers I reckon.
My Xsara VTS was very oversteery...I wouldn't say more so than an MX5 but probably harder to control when it did go. I presume you've briefed her on how to prevent it sliding/what to do when it does slide? Planting the throttle as well as countersteering and the importance of getting the lock off just before it grips again etc. That last bit is what tends to catch out inexperienced drivers I reckon.
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