Sideways Adventure

[Dan__UK_1984]

I was under the impression that small cars had a desire to understeer?

I took a wet greasy roundabout at an "unsuitable speed" at the weekend and ended up sliding the back end out. So much so that I was facing the roundabout whist going round it sideways and missed my turn off by a long shot. Would have been impressive had I meant to do it!

I dont hang about and the meg has never given the slightest hint of losing the back end before - can I put this down to some diesel on the road?

On a related topic - is DSC or whatever the Renault equiv is retrofittable to the 1.5DCi?

[davelowe]

Good man! Always impressed to see some 'action'. I once did a similar thing in a long wheel based transit van - although I neglected to wave my arm out of the window to indicate an 'off' (apparently this is the norm on tracks - but I was on the A38).

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Megane can be a little lively - I think a number of people on here have posted about it before.

No idea if electronic stability can be retrofitted. Similar to the cruise control, it might simply be a question of switching it on via CANBUS. I don't know though...

[Dan__UK_1984]

I wouldnt have minded so much but its not like the little 1.5 has much power to pull the rear end back in check. Gear changes mid slide are best avoided I generally find!

Perhaps time to get some new boots, I know one of the rears is a bit suspect.

[AlexB]

Wooden tyres or braking/lifting off the throttle in the bend? The standard countermeasure on a FWD car is more throttle plus opposite lock!

Regarding the DSC/ESP system - it does not prevent speeding... No, it is not retrofitable.

Anyway, well done, you are alive and the car is in one piece. We all had our moments. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

I was under the impression that small cars had a desire to understeer?

I took a wet greasy roundabout at an "unsuitable speed" at the weekend and ended up sliding the back end out. So much so that I was facing the roundabout whist going round it sideways and missed my turn off by a long shot. Would have been impressive had I meant to do it!

I dont hang about and the meg has never given the slightest hint of losing the back end before - can I put this down to some diesel on the road?

On a related topic - is DSC or whatever the Renault equiv is retrofittable to the 1.5DCi?

[Dan__UK_1984]

The standard countermeasure on a FWD car is more throttle plus opposite lock!

I tried that - trouble is I think the 1.5 has so little power it couldnt really drag its ass round!

I just need to learn I guess - coming from a Range Rover, perm 4wd with DSC amongst other things. That would understeer which could be equally as scary if you're going strait on in a corner!

[rjacko]

Yeah more than likely diesel.

[Bidey]

Had an exactly the same experience with my 1.6 auto on a roundabout. Real scary was allover the place and ended up off the road but luckily onto open grass area. Came to sweaty stop and shaky hands!!!

Not even a hint of control just went sideways and bum oot!!

Checked car over (bumped up kerb at speed) no visible damage.
However developed bulge on one tyre side wall cost me £60 + to replace (nearly new tyre)

Speed, wet and or diesel not sure,, but still wary on corners/roundabouts etc 2 months later.