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New car help please

34 replies

CtrlU · 09/07/2020 13:55

Hi all
Posting for traffic so please forgive me if this has been posted in the wrong category.

I have recently bought a new car and whilst driving yesterday in the rain I noticed it seemed that the wheels were skidding slightly. (Think when your trying to take off in snow and the wheels are skidding rather than gripping and moving off). I noticed the check tyre pressure lights came on yesterday also.

Is the skidding caused by the low tyre pressure or would I need to take my car back to the dealership ?

I feel silly for asking but it’s a new car for me (2017 make car) and I’m a relatively new driver so I’m unsure what this is and if the car is faulty or it’s just the tyres ?

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
CtrlU · 09/07/2020 23:46

Thank you so much for the helpful replies guys.

I’m a good driver but it’s a new car and bigger than my old car so I’m still getting used to it.

I do have issues sometimes with riding the clutch - which I know and I am working on completely releasing it when driving.

I think it sounds like a combination of both the tyre pressure and me and the clutch so I will have them inflated tomorrow. I haven’t driven the car today so I haven’t done so today. I think with the clutch; my old car was quite an old banger and whenever I let go of the clutch or I didn’t step on it when breaking - the car would jerk violently to a stop. It happened once (because since that I learned my lesson) but it scared me so much I just haven’t been able to let go since 😅

OP posts:
Elai1978 · 10/07/2020 07:06

Despite both car and tyre manufacturers investing thousands to get the optimal tyre pressure for each car/tyre combo, you know better?

Sorry, you misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting you should run lower pressures than stated just that it does generally increase traction which is why you drop them in low friction situations like ice or snow, crucially where low speeds are involved. Lower tyre pressure increase rolling resistance and therefore affect acceleration and fuel economy and if the car is used on tarmac at normal road speeds will generate a lot of heat and potential failure. This is all common knowledge stuff.

KeepingPlain · 10/07/2020 07:57

Even with low tyre pressure, the wheels would only spin if you had pressed on the accelerator too quickly for the conditions, so the tyre couldn't get traction. Just get the tyres done, and be a little more careful on the accelerator. It will just be more sensitive than you're used to.

midnightstar66 · 10/07/2020 09:57

Brand new types can take a little while to wear in so it's probably a combination of the pressure, new tyres and just not being used to the feel of the car

mencken · 10/07/2020 12:06

if you are a habitual clutch rider your garage will love you. Plenty of custom there.

it seems that the very concept of owning a tyre pressure gauge and being able to check them yourself is alien on here. Are you all worried about breaking a nail????

CtrlU · 10/07/2020 13:17

Thank you again for the helpful replies

@mencken...🥴

OP posts:
mencken · 11/07/2020 10:55

sorry, keep forgetting this is MN where facts are rude. Must get back to pistonheads.

Enchantmentz · 11/07/2020 11:49

I would probably assume the tyres are over inflated tbh, best bet is to check what psi your tyres need to be at and go with that. You can slip if you are over revving slightly when starting to move and the roads are wet. I can tell when one of tyres are low as you can feel the difference when driving, not slipping at all but a general non secure feeling.

Could be a combination of getting used to driving new car and tyre pressure.

Enchantmentz · 11/07/2020 11:54

Also might be a good idea to get your own pressure gauge/pump to keep in the car, I have an rac one that isn't much bigger than my hand. Pumps the tyres up in no time at all and has a pressure gauge and torch on it.

It has come in handy many times especially when you are far from home or it isn't ideal to find a garage to do it.

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