Thread: Wavetec owners what do you notice, like feel like discussing???
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 07:11 PM
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waldig
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Talking Re: Wavetec owners what do you notice, like feel like discussing???
Driving on Ice 201 ; 1/2 hour class and two credits it you dont hit something on the way.

Class,Good morning; were here today to learn about traction and driving. Remember this: Nothing is more dangerous than driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle on ice.

This runs against conventional wisdom, everyone thinks that 4 wheel drive is the best. This is fine as long as you dont spin the wheels. If there is wheel spin, the wheels loose traction which is to be expected. What is not well known is that a spinning wheel had NO DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. IT will move in any direction and not resist sideways motion.

This means that the vehicle will be without control and slip in the least restrictive way, usually downhill. Having all 4 wheels spin means that the car has no lateral stability and can cartwheel in any direction.

The open rear on the standard car spins the wheel with the least traction while the non spinning tire just sits there. BUT that non spinning tire will not slip easily and thus the average driver can wheel around a corner without loosing it or much fear of wacking a CURB !!!!!! That open rear allows anyone to drive beyond their capacity and live to tell about.

The wavetec is more like a limited spin rear as both rear tires pull and spin together, meaning the rear can COME AROUND ON YOU if you pushing it; to your suprise and amazement. It is a stronger rear and assists traction for going harder FORWARD, but you cant go without LEARNING the fine line / point that it will break traction.

Tonight I went into a turn hard and noted that the traction light did not come on even though the tires were slipping. Why, well students its elememtary really. BOTH rear tires were slipping together and the traction control did not see one wheel going much faster than the other. You can do much better with limited slip, just need to pay attention and be mindful that slipping is very much different than your fathers buick.

Your assignment it to get into a safe non street area and try to go into a hard takeoff while making an average turn. Its like practicing driving in snow where slipping is not fearful, it is just part of the nature of the beast. Report back and the better papers will be presented to the whole class for discussion and sharing of lessons learned.

DIsmissed, and be safe out there. No running in the hall !
 
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