Hot Summer Drive... Thunderstorms??? - LotusTalk

nvrblu · 07-01-2007, 12:37 PM

I'm heading off on a long road trip this July 4th from Phoenix, AZ, to Springfield, MO -- it's surprise for my mom's 75th birthday.

The forecast for Phoenix on the 4th is for temperatures to reach 117 F

... but it's a dry heat... 5% R.H.

I plan to take US 60 to Socorro, NM, and then up to I40 to OK, then I44 for the rest of the trip. NWS says it will be close to 100 F across NM and very close to that in OK but with more humidity.

Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and other states in the area have been getting hammered by record rainfall for the past month. It looks like there's still a 20% to 30% chance I'll encounter rain/thunderstorms during my trip there.

I'm driving on A048s. I've never driven them in rain before. Just how slick do they get in the rain?

Anything I should take with me... water, tire pump, car cover...?

Baysailor · 07-01-2007, 01:21 PM

A small electric air pump and tire plugging kit. I certainly wouldn't use a plugged tire on the track, but feel they are fine to get you out of a situation on the side of the road. Plus, they don't leave all the sticky junk inside your tire and wheel like fix-a-flat type stuff does.

Don't forget your little tool kit (tools for front access panels, wheel tool, front tow eye, etc.)

Maybe a front window shade for when parked. The large reflective types that look like they are made from rigid bubble wrap (available at WalMart) can be cut down easily for a custom fit. Or maybe a sun/shower cap.

The A048's do ok in the rain as long as you don't push them. If you get standing water, be very careful and just take your time. How much tread do you have left?

Pack what will fit, for everything else there is Visa or Mastercard.

bpeery · 07-01-2007, 01:52 PM

Bring a raincoat!! Just kidding....sort of. Like you mentioned we have had a lot of rain this spring. I'm stuck inside again today because of the rain. Now we are getting into our thunderstorm season where a thunderstorm can pop up so unexpectedly. We had tornado warnings yesterday with a spotting just a couple miles from our home. Thankfully it did not touch down to cause any damage to anyone.
My biggest fear traveling is tire trouble. I like the idea of a plug kit. I'm going to put one in my new ride just for insurance. The fix-a-flat product scares me.

Randy Chase · 07-01-2007, 01:55 PM

Newer A-048s are okay in the rain. Not great, watch your speeds, specially for any standing water. When I drove the car cross country on new A-048s, in a heavy downpour I was being passed by most other cars.

If the A-048s are pretty worn, like more than 75%, I would not recommend it at all. Replace them.

nvrblu · 07-01-2007, 02:27 PM

I just check my A-048 tread depth -- 4mm +/-0.5mm front and rear with very even tread wear.

starting my list...

tire plug kit
bicycle pump
tire guage (it's always in the car)
factory tool kit (tow eye, lug too, hex key... always in the car)
laptop:
-- gps & MS Steets & Trips
-- PDF copies of service manual and parts catalog
car cover (bulky, but may be worth having)
fold-up rain poncho (just in case)
paper towels & glass cleaner (to get the bugs off the windscreen)
cell phone & 12V charger
a few micro-fiber towels and a few terry towels
lots-o-water (freeze a couple of bottles... help out the A/C

camera
...

from suggestions following this post and more thoughts...

extra oil
Rain-X -- never used it before... may be worth trying

Maxster · 07-01-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvrblu

I'm driving on A048s. I've never driven them in rain before. Just how slick do they get in the rain?

They are far from being all-wheather. Not designed for rain. Depending on your sense of humor, they can be fun in a downpour but not safe.

Have a safe trip

Baysailor · 07-01-2007, 10:59 PM

May want to consider Rain-X and maybe an extra quart of oil too.

Crudson · 07-02-2007, 09:15 PM

Hi Steve

I have done lots of thunderstorm driving on A048s in various stages of decay. Highway driving isn't a problem even in heavy rain. Just keep plenty of distance as the last thing you want to do is suddenly unsettle the car by reacting to someone else quickly. In urban driving just take it easy around corners, and never accelerate even a bit over those metal bridges when wet.

nvrblu · 07-02-2007, 10:12 PM

Hi Doug ...

I just picked up a tire plugging kit... hope I don't have to use it. I also got some Rain-X and a sun shade for the window.

It's 10 pm and still close to 100 F outside. If I leave a dawn, it should be down to about 80 F. The latest forecast says 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms across Oklahoma... with temps in the mid- to upper-90s.

I plan to stop at the VLA (radio telescope complex) in New Mexico and still cover about 800 miles the first day.

07-01-2007, 12:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
nvrblu ... _ . ..._ . Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 3,386	Hot Summer Drive... Thunderstorms??? I'm heading off on a long road trip this July 4th from Phoenix, AZ, to Springfield, MO -- it's surprise for my mom's 75th birthday. The forecast for Phoenix on the 4th is for temperatures to reach 117 F ... but it's a dry heat... 5% R.H. I plan to take US 60 to Socorro, NM, and then up to I40 to OK, then I44 for the rest of the trip. NWS says it will be close to 100 F across NM and very close to that in OK but with more humidity. Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and other states in the area have been getting hammered by record rainfall for the past month. It looks like there's still a 20% to 30% chance I'll encounter rain/thunderstorms during my trip there. I'm driving on A048s. I've never driven them in rain before. Just how slick do they get in the rain? Anything I should take with me... water, tire pump, car cover...? __________________ Steve -- '05 Laser Blue, Biscuit, Sport/Touring, Starshield

07-01-2007, 01:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,205	A small electric air pump and tire plugging kit. I certainly wouldn't use a plugged tire on the track, but feel they are fine to get you out of a situation on the side of the road. Plus, they don't leave all the sticky junk inside your tire and wheel like fix-a-flat type stuff does. Don't forget your little tool kit (tools for front access panels, wheel tool, front tow eye, etc.) Maybe a front window shade for when parked. The large reflective types that look like they are made from rigid bubble wrap (available at WalMart) can be cut down easily for a custom fit. Or maybe a sun/shower cap. The A048's do ok in the rain as long as you don't push them. If you get standing water, be very careful and just take your time. How much tread do you have left? Pack what will fit, for everything else there is Visa or Mastercard. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit Last edited by Baysailor : 07-01-2007 at 01:27 PM.

07-01-2007, 01:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
bpeery Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SPRINGFIELD, MO Posts: 25	Bring a raincoat!! Just kidding....sort of. Like you mentioned we have had a lot of rain this spring. I'm stuck inside again today because of the rain. Now we are getting into our thunderstorm season where a thunderstorm can pop up so unexpectedly. We had tornado warnings yesterday with a spotting just a couple miles from our home. Thankfully it did not touch down to cause any damage to anyone. My biggest fear traveling is tire trouble. I like the idea of a plug kit. I'm going to put one in my new ride just for insurance. The fix-a-flat product scares me. __________________ 2005 SY Elise - Touring - Hardtop - Starshield 2002 EXT 2005 Harley Ultra Classic 2004 Big Dog Chopper (sold to make room for the Elise)

07-01-2007, 01:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Newer A-048s are okay in the rain. Not great, watch your speeds, specially for any standing water. When I drove the car cross country on new A-048s, in a heavy downpour I was being passed by most other cars. If the A-048s are pretty worn, like more than 75%, I would not recommend it at all. Replace them. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

07-01-2007, 02:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
nvrblu ... _ . ..._ . Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 3,386	I just check my A-048 tread depth -- 4mm +/-0.5mm front and rear with very even tread wear. starting my list... tire plug kit bicycle pump tire guage (it's always in the car) factory tool kit (tow eye, lug too, hex key... always in the car) laptop: -- gps & MS Steets & Trips -- PDF copies of service manual and parts catalog car cover (bulky, but may be worth having) fold-up rain poncho (just in case) paper towels & glass cleaner (to get the bugs off the windscreen) cell phone & 12V charger a few micro-fiber towels and a few terry towels lots-o-water (freeze a couple of bottles... help out the A/C camera ... from suggestions following this post and more thoughts... extra oil Rain-X -- never used it before... may be worth trying __________________ Steve -- '05 Laser Blue, Biscuit, Sport/Touring, Starshield Last edited by nvrblu : 07-01-2007 at 11:30 PM.

07-01-2007, 10:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,205	May want to consider Rain-X and maybe an extra quart of oil too. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit

07-02-2007, 09:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
Crudson / Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 2,485	Hi Steve I have done lots of thunderstorm driving on A048s in various stages of decay. Highway driving isn't a problem even in heavy rain. Just keep plenty of distance as the last thing you want to do is suddenly unsettle the car by reacting to someone else quickly. In urban driving just take it easy around corners, and never accelerate even a bit over those metal bridges when wet.

07-02-2007, 10:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
nvrblu ... _ . ..._ . Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 3,386	Hi Doug ... I just picked up a tire plugging kit... hope I don't have to use it. I also got some Rain-X and a sun shade for the window. It's 10 pm and still close to 100 F outside. If I leave a dawn, it should be down to about 80 F. The latest forecast says 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms across Oklahoma... with temps in the mid- to upper-90s. I plan to stop at the VLA (radio telescope complex) in New Mexico and still cover about 800 miles the first day. __________________ Steve -- '05 Laser Blue, Biscuit, Sport/Touring, Starshield

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