just scared the s**t out of myself!

[Paul Savage]

Dear all,

Have just driven my new surf home in the rain (quite heavy). Grinned a lot as I drove thro most of the large puddles other people were going around!

BUT>>>>>

took a roundabout at about 30mph and totally lost the back end!

Now, as a newbie - I thought these things would have no worries in the wet!

Tyres are bridgestone TAs, at 33-34 psi all round.
Didnt have 4WD engaged as nervous of using due to all the postings about transmission wind up etc......but sure put it on a bit smartish!!

So: (when you all stop laughing)
1: is this usual?
2: how wet can it be before 4WD is safe to engage

Please enlighten a surf and 4WD virgin!!

Now I know why they call it surfing...........

[TonyN]

4wd is not safe on tarmac, only on loose surfaces.

They handle well on all but the crappiest tyres, maybe you found a puddle of deisel that truck drivers like Matt like to leave as prezzies for the motorcyclists!

30mph isn't slow for going around a roundabout in a large vehicle, its not a GTI you know.

[Paul Savage]

thanks for that.

So will driving 3 miles in the wet at 40 mph on tarmac have harmed the 4WD.

Is there a post that says when you can / cant use it please.

Ta.

[TonyN]

thanks for that.

So will driving 3 miles in the wet at 40 mph on tarmac have harmed the 4WD.

Is there a post that says when you can / cant use it please.

Ta.

nah, I've done it the past, it'll survive.

Do a seach, its been covered so many times its a wonder the server dosn't explode!

Basicly, 2wd for road use, 4wd H or L for traction on slippery surfaces.

[claire]

The same happened to me this morning took a bend and the back end went kids screeming in the back managed to sort it but scary.

[jotto]

Dear all,

Have just driven my new surf home in the rain (quite heavy). Grinned a lot as I drove thro most of the large puddles other people were going around!

BUT>>>>>

took a roundabout at about 30mph and totally lost the back end!

Now, as a newbie - I thought these things would have no worries in the wet!

Tyres are bridgestone TAs, at 33-34 psi all round.
Didnt have 4WD engaged as nervous of using due to all the postings about transmission wind up etc......but sure put it on a bit smartish!!

So: (when you all stop laughing)
1: is this usual?
2: how wet can it be before 4WD is safe to engage

Please enlighten a surf and 4WD virgin!!

Now I know why they call it surfing...........

I think you need some new tyres & pants

I have never engaged 4 wheel drive in the rain, snow yes rain no.
You have got to remember that the surf is no sports car its nearly 2 tonne of metal thats got more weight on the front than the back and you have to learn to respect it as with any other car.

[Paul Savage]

Certainly gets your attention doesn't it!!

(But not quite as much as the cyclist who was on my inside!!!)

[Gizmo]

Happened to me

Dear all,

Have just driven my new surf home in the rain (quite heavy). Grinned a lot as I drove thro most of the large puddles other people were going around!

BUT>>>>>

took a roundabout at about 30mph and totally lost the back end!

Now, as a newbie - I thought these things would have no worries in the wet!

Tyres are bridgestone TAs, at 33-34 psi all round.
Didnt have 4WD engaged as nervous of using due to all the postings about transmission wind up etc......but sure put it on a bit smartish!!

So: (when you all stop laughing)
1: is this usual?
2: how wet can it be before 4WD is safe to engage

Please enlighten a surf and 4WD virgin!!

Now I know why they call it surfing...........

It happened to me taking a corner at what I thought was a relativelyt low speed as the corner was nearly 90 degree turn left. Had Geolanders on with plenty of tread.

Recently its happened to me on Colway AT's round a roundabout near me. The road was wet, i'd slowed down due to the earlier incident and it stepped out..luckily no car beside me but i bet it put the crap up the cars coming off the junction from the motorway

[Paul Savage]

New pants - yep!

But begs the question - can I put 4WD on in the wet - otherwise this car will cost me a fortune in undies!

[Vagrant No2]

Certainly gets your attention doesn't it!!

(But not quite as much as the cyclist who was on my inside!!!)

Sounds like he could have seen the underside if it had gone any further round !

Rick

[b19aus]

Dear all,

Have just driven my new surf home in the rain (quite heavy). Grinned a lot as I drove thro most of the large puddles other people were going around!

BUT>>>>>

took a roundabout at about 30mph and totally lost the back end!

Now, as a newbie - I thought these things would have no worries in the wet!

Tyres are bridgestone TAs, at 33-34 psi all round.
Didnt have 4WD engaged as nervous of using due to all the postings about transmission wind up etc......but sure put it on a bit smartish!!

So: (when you all stop laughing)
1: is this usual?
2: how wet can it be before 4WD is safe to engage

Please enlighten a surf and 4WD virgin!!

Now I know why they call it surfing...........

Glad that you have asked this.
Picked up my 1st surf today. definitely feels lighter all round compared to the rangie, so will be just trying 2WD at first without ECT, then ECT, then 4WD without and then with, until I found out just what she can do. One good thing 0-60 is definitely better in the Surf then the rangie, no more going around roundabouts on two wheels and the surf comes out of bends much more smoothly.

[TonyN]

New pants - yep!

But begs the question - can I put 4WD on in the wet - otherwise this car will cost me a fortune in undies!

NO!

[Paul Savage]

B19 aus

take my advice ----carry spare pants.

Or the waterproof seat covers from Roughtrax are good.

[b19aus]

B19 aus

take my advice ----carry spare pants.

Or the waterproof seat covers from Roughtrax are good.

Noted thanx

[Gizmo]

B19 aus

take my advice ----carry spare pants.

Or the waterproof seat covers from Roughtrax are good.

Dont forget the pacemaker to jump start your heart back to its original pulse