Just some background.
Last week we had major snow in the DC,NOVA area and just couple days ago we had ice rain that caused black ice everywhere. So all the road have sand on them, esp alot where cars don't travel like the corner and edge of exit ramps, and turns.

Well today I got a set of Michlens XGT 235/45/17 All season Z rated tires.

I was also going to my company party around 8:00. Well since I did get wider tires w/ more traction I decided to push the car a bit.
>;]

On the exit ramp from 495 towards tysons 2, rt 123 I usually go around 40~45mph but today I pushed the car to about 60mph, bad idea considering the roads where still kinda wet and had sand all over. As im 95% out of the exit, im like whoo hoo these tires are fooken AWESOME I see no cars coming in my side view mirror so I merge in to rt 123. I merge a little early and my rear left two wheels went over sand. HOLY SHITT .
My car starts to fish tail and I see 1/4 of rear moving towards the front. *the road where still wet* Instantly my Veichle stability assit kicks in and controls the brakes and throttle while I'm counter steering out of this mess, I hold on to the steering wheel tight and try to remember the emergency manuvers I've been practicing in the empty parking lots doing circles and 360's. This time w/ a passenger screaming at the top of her lungs.
I countered once and my car was moving around 45mph 70 degrees facing the right side of the road, and then the car grips and when I counter steered it's now facing the other side. After two counter steers the car finally went straight right around where you start to merge right to go toward tysons 2. Needless to say Im one lucky SOB as no cars where on the road @ 8:00pm.

Any how, I get to the Ritz Carlton,and pulled up to the valet. I tipped the guy 1st and walked in to the party. I had to tell everyone wtf happen and after I did everyone started buying me shots saying I'm lucky mofo After getting some free food and free drinks I left around 10:00 or so. When I walked down stairs the valet guy who parked my car noticed me right away and threw me the keys to White Angel.

She was parked smack right infront of the entrance no need to wait or have them pull her up

My co-worker who also did valet was like "shit how come they parked your car right up front and mine in the back?"

"Thats why you tip them 1st u foo~!" hehe all in all VSA saved my life and , also learned that this car handles VERY differently than other cars I've lost control in, a Legend, Escort GT(yes don't laugh) and a 1990 maxima.

 

HAhhaha oh man, thats hella funny man!!

 

Glad to hear you are ok!!! Same thing happened to me...... with the m3......... ALL ON MY DRIVEWAY. Needless to say I did no driver her that day.... WHITE ANGEL - Love the name. Any ideas for mine?

AdamR

 

no pictures?

 

White Angel OWNZ U!

 

Glad you're aight. I did something similiar ( not as intense though ) gettin on 395 from the King St exit, during that same ice storm. I agree also, the cl-s does handle well during recovery.

 

Glad your ok!

How are those tires otherwise? I had good experiences with those tires on other cars.

 

nah i wish i had an artistic brain like u ernie. i suck at drawing.

 

Well you got some free shots out of it.

 

quattro ownz joo.

 

oh no..i have no vsa!!!

 

How do you like your S4... Any major problems... Is it too small compared to the CLS?

 

Yes indeed, im actually eyeing at the next S4 or if bmw ever decides on a 330xi coupe

 

I just took my new CL-S 6speed out right as the rain had just stopped here in NYC....roads were really soaked. I wanted to test the wet traction , and I have to say I am very happy with it. I tried many times to make her lose traction / skid around and it wouldn't. Stock Michelins. I just remember my '97 Integra....not fun in the rain !!!

 

Find the right road surface with some rubber, coolant, and some grit and you might change your mind.

The stock tires work fine on some surfaces with "tooth", but "wimp out" on other types of road surfaces.

 

yeah I was riding on 2 different stock tires for the past 2 years and never expereince this problem. We also never had snow, ice, sand like this on the roads either.

 

Why's the tree yelling "FUCK" Ernie?


Hey Joe, glad that worked out okay! Scary.