Hydroplaning in British Roads

nakulan7 · 07-06-2008

Hi everyone.

I would be very interested to know how everyone finds the SLK on wet roads in here. I am no boy racer, but my SLK 200 is very skittish on the wet on roads around here. Once i was doing around 50mph behind a BMW 3 which ploughed through a moderate puddle by the side of the road while my car moved about 2 feet on to the middle of the road after ESP/ABS kicked in. I didnt brake and luckily there were no traffic from ahead.

On motorways it is very scary to hit water: not standing water, but sort of average water which other cars seem to plough through and i would not even think twice on my Accord. I have more or less stopped driving SLK in the rain which is becoming a pain and strongly considering selling it and getting a CLK500 or the new Mitsubishi Evo 10.

Is the problem with my car or have others felt the same? My friend drives a Boxster in all weathers without thinking about it twice.

Please share your thoughts.

mtiede · 07-06-2008

I have about 6 years in SLK 320 and now SLK 350 and never encountered anything like you describe. I drive it year round come rain or snow.

What tires do you have?

nakulan7 · 07-06-2008

I had pirelli pzeros to allround. Now i have contisport 2 in the back and pirellis in the front. Not driven in heavy rain with this combination.

mtiede · 07-06-2008

Maybe the mismatch from front to rear is the problem. I really don't have any expertise in this area as I have never mismatched tires or had trouble in the rain.

**DansSlk** · 07-06-2008

You shouldn't really drive with tyres mismatched like that, F & R difference is not illegal but its not good either.

Anyways back on topic, nobody has ever mentioned a problem like that to any of us at the shop and personal experience says the SLK is stable enough in the wet.

Sounds to me like you have an issue somewhere perhaps in the alignment or the suspension.

**UK-C200** · 07-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

You shouldn't really drive with tyres mismatched like that, F & R difference is not illegal but its not good either.

Anyways back on topic, nobody has ever mentioned a problem like that to any of us at the shop and personal experience says the SLK is stable enough in the wet.

Sounds to me like you have an issue somewhere perhaps in the alignment or the suspension.

My 350 in Louisiana survived the torrential June rains quite nicely, and actually impressed me a bit as I expected less traction that I got. I've got new, matched Conti's on the car. Don't get me wrong, I saw a lot of flashy-flashy traction control warnings, but no hydroplaning that I noticed at all.

Just as a note, this is what I woke up to for my last week of vacation in Louisiana. We had just gotten back from a wonderful run over to Lafayette for some of the worlds best crab-cakes and gumbo the night before, and where planning on an early start. Needless to say, the wifey was not impressed with the rain!

Fortunately, it *is* Louisiana, so a couple of hours later the rain had stopped, and we were off. The wife is now calculating risk of rain and hurricanes for her next trip over!

nakulan7 · 07-06-2008

Thanks for that. I havent noticed any worsening with this combo , but never driven much in the rain with this combination. So when the rears run out early, do you advice changing the whole lot?

My rears lasted for 18000 miles and my fronts have done 22000 and still have about 3-5-4mm depth in them. Perhaps i should change it?

mtiede · 07-06-2008

That wasn't a Louisiana rain. You could still SEE across the courtyard

We were driving once in the gulf area and it rained so hard I had to pull off the road into a parking lot. I could barely see to get in the parking lot, but I was afraid to stop on the roadside because I didn't think anyone would be able to see me. And the wipers running on high were no help.

**UK-C200** · 07-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtiede

That wasn't a Louisiana rain. You could still SEE across the courtyard

We were driving once in the gulf area and it rained so hard I had to pull off the road into a parking lot. I could barely see to get in the parking lot, but I was afraid to stop on the roadside because I didn't think anyone would be able to see me. And the wipers running on high were no help.

Very true! I've been in a couple of downpours where wipers were useless, and yeah, the best option is to stop and have some food! FYI, we were always told by our safety folks to never stop on the side of the road for just that reason in heavy rain. Said it was safer to drive very slowly and find a spot to pull completely off the road into a safe area.

**Woolly** · 07-06-2008

Not had a problem in my R171(having said that, I don't drive it much in the rain), but in my R170 I was accelerating hard away from a set of light once, down hill. There was a fairly substantial rivulet running diagonally across the road. When the back offside tyre hit it, the wheel wanted to spin, the TC kicked in, and braked that wheel just as I came out - the braked wheel caught on the drier road and kicked the back end out - it was like the TC was having a delayed reaction - difficult to explain - you should have been there

Chris-h · 07-06-2008

Yes I had a problem on my last 350 SLK in heavy rain when I encountered standing water which collects in a particular spot on the M4 motorway just leaving London westbound. They've put a temporary warning sign up now. I had Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. The car just started drifting into the next lane. It was my fault I was going too fast. I watch out for that puddle now!

**DansSlk** · 07-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by nakulan7

Thanks for that. I havent noticed any worsening with this combo , but never driven much in the rain with this combination. So when the rears run out early, do you advice changing the whole lot?

My rears lasted for 18000 miles and my fronts have done 22000 and still have about 3-5-4mm depth in them. Perhaps i should change it?

Change them when they are due, don't make it a special thing just for the sake of it.

**alroumi** · 07-06-2008

I havent encountered that yet but I did drive my SLK quiet fast under heavy rainshowers last winter.

AndrewSLK55 · 07-07-2008

Sorry guys and all the MB experts here, but I agree 100% with NAKULAN7. The slk its not a car for rainy roads...tends to be unstable. I had learned my lesson with my ex SLK200 (and dont tempt the wet roads with my SLK55 now. Its not an stable car in the rain period. I had my SLK 200 spanking and there were no issues with tires or alignment for that matter...The slk is tale happy in the rain and difficult to handle. My two cents-

AndrewSLK55 · 07-07-2008

"spanking NEW" missed that part, but I am sure got my point.

**bradmg** · 07-08-2008

When mine was new, I hated it in the wet weather. My old SL with much wider tires, which should have made it worse for wet weather handled it fine. My rears were well worn out at about 10,000 miles, so I changed all 4 to GY F1 and have found it to be far better. I adjust my driving slightly for the wet but have had no problems and haven't even noticed the ESP kicking in at all. I think I had Contis to start but don't remember for sure.

07-06-2008	#1 (permalink)
nakulan7 SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: SLK200 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hydroplaning in British Roads Hi everyone. I would be very interested to know how everyone finds the SLK on wet roads in here. I am no boy racer, but my SLK 200 is very skittish on the wet on roads around here. Once i was doing around 50mph behind a BMW 3 which ploughed through a moderate puddle by the side of the road while my car moved about 2 feet on to the middle of the road after ESP/ABS kicked in. I didnt brake and luckily there were no traffic from ahead. On motorways it is very scary to hit water: not standing water, but sort of average water which other cars seem to plough through and i would not even think twice on my Accord. I have more or less stopped driving SLK in the rain which is becoming a pain and strongly considering selling it and getting a CLK500 or the new Mitsubishi Evo 10. Is the problem with my car or have others felt the same? My friend drives a Boxster in all weathers without thinking about it twice. Please share your thoughts.
	http://www.slkworld.com/

07-06-2008	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,456 Country: Thanks: 84 Thanked 136 Times in 106 Posts	You shouldn't really drive with tyres mismatched like that, F & R difference is not illegal but its not good either. Anyways back on topic, nobody has ever mentioned a problem like that to any of us at the shop and personal experience says the SLK is stable enough in the wet. Sounds to me like you have an issue somewhere perhaps in the alignment or the suspension. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

07-06-2008	#10 (permalink)
Woolly Founding Member #8 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Co. Durham, UK Vehicle: 2004 SLK350 Other Toys: Cars, Bikes, Boats & Aircraft!! Posts: 957 Country: Thanks: 31 Thanked 24 Times in 14 Posts	Not had a problem in my R171(having said that, I don't drive it much in the rain), but in my R170 I was accelerating hard away from a set of light once, down hill. There was a fairly substantial rivulet running diagonally across the road. When the back offside tyre hit it, the wheel wanted to spin, the TC kicked in, and braked that wheel just as I came out - the braked wheel caught on the drier road and kicked the back end out - it was like the TC was having a delayed reaction - difficult to explain - you should have been there __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2005 BMW LT - 16 countries, 2 CONTINENTS & counting 2004 MB SLK 350 Andradite Green (6 speed manual] 1999 Ducati ST2 2003 Vauxhaul Vectra 1974 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V 1937 Norton 500 single (all still current)

07-06-2008	#13 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,021 Country: Thanks: 229 Thanked 157 Times in 95 Posts	I havent encountered that yet but I did drive my SLK quiet fast under heavy rainshowers last winter. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Some More Local Roads(and Sheep!)	Woolly	SLK Videos	13	08-24-2007 01:26 AM
Difficult driving conditions, icy roads	Wimbledon_SLK	General Discussion	22	01-24-2007 06:26 PM
country roads	MCFaisal	Driving Stories	4	12-26-2006 03:05 PM
The Most Dangerous Roads in the World	FPF422	Off Topic	1	12-22-2006 07:24 AM
British Airways ripping of buggers	easty	Off Topic	14	12-20-2006 02:40 PM

07-06-2008	#2 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,380 Thanks: 60 Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts	I have about 6 years in SLK 320 and now SLK 350 and never encountered anything like you describe. I drive it year round come rain or snow. What tires do you have?

07-06-2008	#3 (permalink)
nakulan7 SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: SLK200 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had pirelli pzeros to allround. Now i have contisport 2 in the back and pirellis in the front. Not driven in heavy rain with this combination.

07-06-2008	#4 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,380 Thanks: 60 Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts	Maybe the mismatch from front to rear is the problem. I really don't have any expertise in this area as I have never mismatched tires or had trouble in the rain.

07-06-2008	#7 (permalink)
nakulan7 SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: SLK200 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for that. I havent noticed any worsening with this combo , but never driven much in the rain with this combination. So when the rears run out early, do you advice changing the whole lot? My rears lasted for 18000 miles and my fronts have done 22000 and still have about 3-5-4mm depth in them. Perhaps i should change it?

07-06-2008	#8 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,380 Thanks: 60 Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts	That wasn't a Louisiana rain. You could still SEE across the courtyard We were driving once in the gulf area and it rained so hard I had to pull off the road into a parking lot. I could barely see to get in the parking lot, but I was afraid to stop on the roadside because I didn't think anyone would be able to see me. And the wipers running on high were no help.

07-06-2008	#11 (permalink)
Chris-h SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Surrey Vehicle: SLK 350 facelift - palladium + gullwing red leather Posts: 25 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Yes I had a problem on my last 350 SLK in heavy rain when I encountered standing water which collects in a particular spot on the M4 motorway just leaving London westbound. They've put a temporary warning sign up now. I had Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. The car just started drifting into the next lane. It was my fault I was going too fast. I watch out for that puddle now!

07-07-2008	#14 (permalink)
AndrewSLK55 SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 15 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Sorry guys and all the MB experts here, but I agree 100% with NAKULAN7. The slk its not a car for rainy roads...tends to be unstable. I had learned my lesson with my ex SLK200 (and dont tempt the wet roads with my SLK55 now. Its not an stable car in the rain period. I had my SLK 200 spanking and there were no issues with tires or alignment for that matter...The slk is tale happy in the rain and difficult to handle. My two cents-

07-07-2008	#15 (permalink)
AndrewSLK55 SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 15 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	"spanking NEW" missed that part, but I am sure got my point.

07-08-2008	#16 (permalink)
bradmg SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Germany Vehicle: '06 SLK55 Posts: 62 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	When mine was new, I hated it in the wet weather. My old SL with much wider tires, which should have made it worse for wet weather handled it fine. My rears were well worn out at about 10,000 miles, so I changed all 4 to GY F1 and have found it to be far better. I adjust my driving slightly for the wet but have had no problems and haven't even noticed the ESP kicking in at all. I think I had Contis to start but don't remember for sure.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)