What causes a car to go into a spin?

rbulph

I went into a big spin while driving round a mini-roundabout a few days ago. No damage to anything but very disconcerting. The road was a bit wet, but there was no standing water. I think I was braking, but I wasn't going excessively fast. What could have been the cause? Water on the road? Some oil on the road that I didn't see? A problem with the ABS? I would prefer that it didn't happen again.

Thanks.

DUTR

rbulph wrote: »

I went into a big spin while driving round a mini-roundabout a few days ago. No damage to anything but very disconcerting. The road was a bit wet, but there was no standing water. I think I was braking, but I wasn't going excessively fast. What could have been the cause? Water on the road? Some oil on the road that I didn't see? A problem with the ABS? I would prefer that it didn't happen again.

Thanks.

But you were, don't do it again ok.

DoaM

Spin, as in the back end slid out and the car went full circle (or near enough)?

What car? Front or rear wheel drive?

If front wheel drive then it's probable that the back wheels hit oily water just as you hit the brakes ... the rear wheels became lightly loaded and lost traction, so slid out. You were then caught be surprise, turned the steering to the right and so exacerbated the skid.

Mutton_Geoff

Very common to have diesel spilled on roundabouts as it spills out of large vehicles as they corner. Bikers have long been aware of the risk.


My guess is your tyres are worn. If it frightened you, take your car for half a day on a track that offers skid training and you'll be taught how to handle this.

AdrianC

Simple answer: Exceeding the available lateral grip.

Why did you exceed it? Now there's the question...
Too much speed? Well, yes. But unlikely to be that alone.

So what was the problem with the lateral grip?
Something on the road surface?

Nobody here can say. But if it was diesel on the road, you may have been able to see it as a sheen, and you'd very likely have smelt it. Plus, you'd have been forewarned by all the other cars doing the same.

couriervanman

Speed and tyres

sevenhills

rbulph wrote: »

I went into a big spin while driving round a mini-roundabout a few days ago. No damage to anything but very disconcerting. The road was a bit wet, but there was no standing water. I think I was braking, but I wasn't going excessively fast. What could have been the cause?

You should brake before or after, not whilst going over the roundabout. They are often painted and slippy.

Maybe you should re-read the Driving Standards Agencies, The Driving Manual?

rbulph

DoaM wrote: »

Spin, as in the back end slid out and the car went full circle (or near enough)?

What car? Front or rear wheel drive?

If front wheel drive then it's probable that the back wheels hit oily water just as you hit the brakes ... the rear wheels became lightly loaded and lost traction, so slid out. You were then caught be surprise, turned the steering to the right and so exacerbated the skid.

Yes, a clockwise spin, more than full circle.

A BMW, rear wheel drive. I was turning to the left to leave the roundabout, and the car span to the right. I don't think I steered very much as the spin happened because it seemed ineffective.

AdrianC

rbulph wrote: »

Yes, a clockwise spin, more than full circle.

A BMW, rear wheel drive. I was turning to the left to leave the roundabout, and the car span to the right. I don't think I steered very much as the spin happened because it seemed ineffective.

Woah up... More than 360deg spin, leaving a mini r'a'b...?

Is it the school holidays already?

cubegame

Sounds fun.

But your fault entirely.....why were you braking?

You should get more lessons or hand in your licence.

owen_money

Rear wheel drive and a wet road makes for fun, but only if you expecting it