Traction losses

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:04 pm

I noticed that over rougher roads my car is loosing traction when I'm pulling away from junctions etc. Only really noticed it since my car has been lowered. Think it's my tyres?

ticki · Post by **ticki** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:00 pm

No! But it is most likely now that you can feel more what the tyres are doing, being on harder suspension.

Dangerous Dave · Post by **Dangerous Dave** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:04 pm

Could be your tracking/camber putting the pressure on the edge of the tyre when you are turning was it redone after the car was lowered ?

The roads however at this time of year are very slippy.

Ian_R · Post by **Ian_R** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:01 pm

Depends What tyres as you said you have got, Certainly wont be your tracking / camber, they just make your wheels sit at an angle and will wear the tyres down quicker, Look at the camber on touring cars there Massive compared to normal cars, gives better handling. Your loss of traction will be down to the road type, tyres and how you pull away, and as stated since it is lower you will fell alot more!

Redline · Post by **Redline** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:25 pm

Firstly, as others have mentioned I'd check the condition of your tyres, and also your tyre pressures.

Secondly, you have to consider than with lowering the car you've stiffened the suspension and reduced the amount of potential travel it has. So over rough ground it has less ability to deal with bumps etc which can cause a loss of traction.

As for camber/tracking, if they're out as Dave says it won't help if they're reducing your tyres contact patch with the road.

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:25 pm

Ian_R wrote:Look at the camber on touring cars there Massive compared to normal cars, gives better handling.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that.

I know you get +ve and -ve camber but if it improves traction then surely drifters wouldn't make sure they have a nice camber on their cars.

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:29 pm

Just done the tyre pressures as I hadn't done them in 2 months and only 3 of them were just 1 psi out. I've got my Toyo T1-S's? (195/40) and they still have good tread on them

Tigz · Post by **Tigz** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:42 am

Ian_R wrote:Look at the camber on touring cars there Massive compared to normal cars, gives better handling.

Over a completly smooth race track yes!
But we are talking about UK roads here!

Lowered cars will always lose traction more over bumpy roads than a car with softer standard suspention.
The loss of suspention travel may be good for a smooth track, but you have to accept over bumpy UK roads you wont see an improvment.

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 2:03 pm

Ok that's cleared it up a little, cheers guys!