Been meaning to post this up but only just remembered to do so.

I tried to corner a little enthusiastically last week before it got truly cold. Car seemed to be settling nicely into a cornering attitude, then 'something' happened. The car seemed to lurch slightly and almost seemed to tighten its line. It all felt a little odd. So far I've put it down to a big heavy engine and tyres with not the toughest sidewalls on the planet.

I've a BM Fabia vRS. It's on 205/45x16 continental Sport contacts. Front tyre pressures are meant to be 34 but had dropped off a couple of PSI. Rears are standard @ 30PSI.

Anyone else experienced this or something similar.

J.

rut in the road? damp road, loss grip and then wheels regained grip?

rut in the road? damp road, loss grip and then wheels regained grip?

T/c kicking in?

Chris

Could have just bumped over something, or the car 'dropped' onto the outside tyre, stabilised and then went on with the business of actually cornering.

Tyre pressure is absolutely crucial, if it's low the behaviour you're describing gets a lot worse, it will still hold but it sounds very similar to what you said.

my guess would be the traction control if you were pushing it......

Traction control - defo

If you have ESP then that's the prime suspect, otherwise any road imperfection can unsettle a car on a fast curve.

Thanks all, for the comments/suggestions.

No ESP and I doubt it was the t/c as I was deliberately trying to corner at a constant speed to gauge the car's reactions. Could have been a ridge or other imperfection on the corner, I suppose.

I think I may try adding another few PSI to the tyres, on 34 now though. Be a shame if the conti's aren't up to it as I really liked them on my AX GT. Bit of a weight difference over the front wheels though...

J.

I'd say traction control too which is one of the reasons I turn it off.

Have to admit I did read this as 'worrying lunch' the first time.

Not trued the contis on the Fabia but currently have them on the Octy and I've found them decent tyres.

i can report that having driven my vrs round cadwell park that the traction control caused no such effects even when cornering at the limit. however the road surface is nowhere near as predictable as the track so i'd guess the problem lies there. only other thing is mine was fitted with michelin tyres but i don't think that would make a difference and from previous experience i've always found the contis very good.