Help - Wheels Spinning

gilbert_and_sullivan

Strider590 wrote: »

^^

Had the car for how long though? we all drive differently in a new car until we start getting used to it.

Post number 5...the OP states she's had the car nearly 2 years.

almillar

I'm about to buy an RX-8. This all sounds very confusing. OP needs to check what's on the garage's receipt for work done to the car. If OP hasn't changed her driving style and the wheels have only been spinning recently, and as some people suggest the TC is broken, then the light would have been flashing at her for 2 years! TC is on every time you start the car, and has to be turned off manually as stated above, and does diagnostic checks every time it starts, so a fault with this is unlikely.
When the battery is disconnected, however, the DSC or TC system (or one of the 'driver aids') has to be recalibrated, by doing something like switching the ignition on and turning the wheel left then right. This is in the owners manual, and I would recommend that since it's free and easy.
After trying that, which I don't think will fix the problem, OP needs to go back to the garage and get a brave mechanic to get in the car with her and try to replicate the problem to diagnose it!
Best to make sure that the tyres aren't at 50psi too of course!

cyclonebri1

Strider590 wrote: »

^^

Had the car for how long though? we all drive differently in a new car until we start getting used to it.

2 r 3 years strider, keep up man

Strider590

almillar wrote: »

If OP hasn't changed her driving style and the wheels have only been spinning recently, and as some people suggest the TC is broken, then the light would have been flashing at her for 2 years!

The traction control is a non-issue.....

If your driving that hard that the TC has to kick in all the time then it's purely the drivers fault.

Why can I drive a Westfield kitcar with over 250 bhp/ton, capable of 60 in 5.5 seconds, has no ABS and no traction control, WITHOUT wheel spin?
It's more than capable of "lighting up" the rear tyre's in 4th gear..... BUT I drive it properly and with the respect it deserves, instead of just planting my right foot!!

mikey72

Strider590 wrote: »

The traction control is a non-issue.....

If your driving that hard that the TC has to kick in all the time then it's purely the drivers fault.

Why can I drive a Westfield kitcar with over 250 bhp/ton, capable of 60 in 5.5 seconds, has no ABS and no traction control, WITHOUT wheel spin?
It's more than capable of "lighting up" the rear tyre's in 4th gear..... BUT I drive it properly and with the respect it deserves, instead of just planting my right foot!!

Because you've got old.
I remember rwd cars with no technology as well, doesn't mean you don't need to use it now.
If it's got TC and DSC, you'll certainly notice it when it's not there, and not have to drive like an old fart trying not to spin every time you accelerate too hard.

vaio

Strider590 wrote: »

........Why can I drive a Westfield kitcar with over 250 bhp/ton, capable of 60 in 5.5 seconds, has no ABS and no traction control, WITHOUT wheel spin?
It's more than capable of "lighting up" the rear tyre's in 4th gear..... BUT I drive it properly and with the respect it deserves, instead of just planting my right foot!!

I’m sure you’re a wonderful driver and can do the 0-60 sprint in a wheel spin free 5 seconds but you are missing the point of the OPs post.

The car, which she has driven quite happily for the last two years and 9k miles, has suddenly started behaving differently which suggests to me that either something has gone wrong or at the least has been changed. It’s further complicated by a recent service at the main dealer which might (or might not) account for the change.

cyclonebri1

Strider590 wrote: »

The traction control is a non-issue.....

If your driving that hard that the TC has to kick in all the time then it's purely the drivers fault.

Why can I drive a Westfield kitcar with over 250 bhp/ton, capable of 60 in 5.5 seconds, has no ABS and no traction control, WITHOUT wheel spin?
It's more than capable of "lighting up" the rear tyre's in 4th gear..... BUT I drive it properly and with the respect it deserves, instead of just planting my right foot!!

You do actually have a point Strider, although from your last few posts you would need to convince me further that you are a Westfield owner. My last Westie did have 225 bhp, and it weighed 650kg, don't know what ratio was but equated to 0 to 60 in under 4 secs. Without wheel spin as you say.

The op needs shoes not boots, (sorry op), or new boots as in tyres.

maninthestreet

OP, what make of tyres do you have, and what sizes are they (written on the sidewall of the tyre).

Harry_Flashman

Lum wrote: »

Make of tyres is a good point actually. 9000 - 10000 miles is about where I would expect the tyres to need replacing. Maybe the garage replaced them with Linglongs to save a bit of money.

You have to be kidding! I expect 30,000 to 40,000 from a set of rubber :eek:

maninthestreet

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

You have to be kidding! I expect 30,000 to 40,000 from a set of rubber :eek:

For the driven wheels, 20,000 miles is probably the maximum life for a tyre.
For non-driven wheels, 40,000 miles would be quite easily acheivable.