I jumped up to an SRT6 yesterday after purchasing Chip Earl's former car. I totaled my 2004 in a hydroplane incident (thanks Florida downpours) on 5/1 and have been patiently looking for the right car. I drove 7 hours round trip yesterday with my son to bring the SRT6 Roadster to a new home. As the 5th owner I can only say positive things about previous owners. It is in wonderful condition and looks like it was on the showroom floor. The SRT6 is really enjoyable and will be here for years (decades?) to come.

 

Congratulations, back on the road. Enjoy the (s)miles.

 

Congrats ! Enjoy !

 

My niece was KILLED at 40mph in a downpour when here car hydroplaned and she went driver-side first into a tree.
For that reason, given the Crossfire's history of such incidents (I can now think of four), I am paranoid about water on the road - mostly in the care but even in my truck, I am hyper careful.

As to the SRT upgrade, I thought about it when my Graphite was totaled. I just can't take an automatic - well, now that I have a stick in the truck, maybe I CAN handle an auto, in return for 330 hp. Maybe my FOURTH XF ...........................

 

YOu know, the DRAGON in October would be a good place to show off the new car....................

 

Personally think the tires have the most to do with hydroplaning. This is the time of year when we start getting frog stranglers, usually hit one or two every time I go to south Florida on the 'pike.


My tow car is a Jeep Grand Chrokee. When the factory Goodyears were about 1/2 worn I started seeing the TC light in rain. Switched to Michelins and no more TC. Now have three cars with Michelins, one with BFGs (because nobody else I trust makes big (255x70x15) 15s, the Crossie has Continental DWSs and do encounter the TC but usually on a hard 1-2 shift (stick). They have proven very good in the rain and the DWS06s are supposed to be better.


So IMNSHO the tires are the biggest factor in wet traction but is helpful if the driver has experience on ice especially Florida ice..

 

The makeup (in all its complexities) of the tire is but ONE factor in the problem of hydroplaning. The fact is speed and the amount of water between the tire rubber and the roadway, is the deciding factor in traction vs no traction (hydroplane). All the other variables are minutia. If the water is deep, slow down to the point the rubber you have makes contact with the road. All the ads and advertising about rubber compounds and road composition means nothing if the tire can not remove water faster than it gets there based on the amount of water present, and speed/weight of the vehicle/tire rotation. It is the driver who allows the conditions to degrade that allows hydroplaning. All the other secondary causes for each instance, is minutia. Drivers, your decision to drive faster than the tire can remove water from between the treads on serviceable roads, is the reason any vehicle/car hydroplaned. Seems to me differing tire brands and tread patterns discussions, only allow someone to act without caution when large amounts of water is on the roadways.

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Coming from the Great White North I have to ask what is so special about Florida ice?
I thought you only found it in the bottom of your drinking glass.

 

I believe he means water standing on the road as Florida ice.

 

I have seen Florida ice in my wife's drinks, none in my IPA.
They have some nice IPA beers down there from small local brewery's.
Wet roads are almost everywhere, this is a confusing post then by Padgett.

 

My mistress in the 'Florida Ice' :

 

So sorry to learn about your niece. Wishing you (and all) a Spiritual peace whenever a loved one has passed.
(bucket list: a Dragon run to meet many of you fine folks)

 

I am sorry but I cannot believe that, you have a red roadster.

 

Of course I have a red roadster. The one in the picture I bought just for her