Naive question about steering

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Nov 30, 2006 | 09:25 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Naive question about steering

I was thinking about this as I slid around on the ice in my neighborhood.

Supposing that I had the steering wheel turned all the way but because of the surface I wasn't turning - sliding on ice basically. If all the sudden my tires connect with the pavement would it be possible for my steering or suspension to get damaged?

Nov 30, 2006 | 09:28 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

It'll skid momentarily, *bite*, and there is no problem.

Nov 30, 2006 | 09:32 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

I was thinking it might put undue strain on the ball joints or the tie rod ends. Obviously driving like that isn't the smartest thing to do anyway, but I figured I'd ask regardless.

Nov 30, 2006 | 09:49 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Driving 35 MPH, slamming on your brakes while rounding a curve, and hitting a pothole all at once is harder on it that the situation being considered. Real life situation, happens to drivers everyday.

Nov 30, 2006 | 10:16 PM

seventyseven250

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From: Calgary Canada

Now if you happen to be driving faster, and you slide into a curve with the wheelse sideways, then it can do some damage. But just connecting wtih dry pavement isn't likely to hurt anything. You have to remember that your tires flex quite a bit in situations like that, and so does your suspension.

Nov 30, 2006 | 11:12 PM

captain p4

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From: Joppa, Maryland

might end up on your roof if you're going fast enough and it bites hard enough

Dec 1, 2006 | 02:48 PM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

I have seen a few vehicles flip going from icy to hard making turns or having the wheel cranked. Best thing for sliding is to turn slightly into the turn. The harder you turn the less chance of the tire finding traction if it is not turned to the direction the car is headed.

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Dec 1, 2006 | 03:15 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

You're not going to damage anything, under most circumstances. Flipping a car is far less likely to happen. If you're driving on icy roads you shouldn't be going that fast anyway. Most bad weather-related accidents are the result of the driver going way too fast.

I did see a car flip from hitting a deer once... It was springtime, the car was doing about 60 or 65 and the deer jumped out. The driver hit the deer, went into a skid, and off the road. about three feet off the road it got REALLY soft, and over she went. I didn't see it, but it was pretty clear how it happened.