Time to put away the BRZ?

[overlookedx]

This was actually a concern for me too, as my WRX feels so planted in the rain and this will be my first RWD car. Good to know I have nothing to worry about (plus the fact it barely rains here).

[Rayme]

I find it funny people are scared of rainy weather when here we have huge snowstorms, slush, ice and snow to drive through

[rice_classic]

It's a Seattle thing. We have more experience driving in the rain than just about any other part of the country but for some reason we are the worst at it.

Like people doing 50mph on an open freeway instead of 65.

Growing up in Utah, people did 75mph on the freeway in just about all conditions with the exception of heavy snow. But Seattle/Puget Sound... Wow, a bit of rain and people are afraid of their own shadows, and it rains 9 months out of the year. Not awesome.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

I think you're being far too worried. You've obviously driven in this kind of rain before (assuming you didn't just move there recently), but it's not as if you're driving a high-powered RWD car with slicks.

Obviously keep the traction control on, don't do anything stupid, tone down your driving through the corners and you should be fine. Practice in an empty parking lot, if you must.

[chanomatik]

You scurred. I got used Hankook iPike studded (almost all missing) snow tires on steelies and I'm good. Ice sucks, but the traction control helps a LOT. I've driven (and still drive) RWD vehicles without it and THAT'S scary. The BRZ? Not so much.

[slizoth]

Ive only owned RWD and FWD vehicles and I learned on RWD in Oregon so driving in the rain is just driving to me *shrug*. What I know to be common sense may just be because I grew up in the rain so allow me to share some wisdom.

1) Give yourself more room to stop in wet conditions
2) Don't accelerate hard through corners unless you want to slide (TSC will correct you)
3) Slow down to avoid hydroplaning
4) When you are hydroplaning control the car by pointing the front wheels where you want to go not the direction you want the car to go. For example, dont turn hard left when you start hydroplaning to the ride, adjust the wheels to point back into the lane like you're just going through a turn.
5) Get comfortable, slides can happen, as long as you don't overreact its not a big problem, train yourself to control a slide comfortably.

[ScionRacer]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Yep. I was actually impressed with how well the FR-S handled deep puddles at speed without hydroplaning. The FR-S is much better than my GTI in that area.

Now when snow comes, I will definitely be putting the FR-S away.

I have to agree,I disabled the VSC the other day in the rain,so i could play around on the left turns and highway on ramps.I was shocked. I could barely get it to drift without feeling over aggressive considering the conditions of the road.Have to say I was disappointed yet impressed at the same time.

I too decided a winter beater was much better than plowing deep snow with the FRS.Found me a solid 01 dakota sport for 1400.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

But you also need to consider that the FR-S/BRZ has regular tires on it, so they should be alright in most realistic weather conditions shy of snow. It's not like an aggressive summer tire that might give up a lot of grip in the wet.

[reeves]

Drove through pouring rain and drizzle rain, at very high speeds and low speeds.. never felt it lose traction once. Traction control is awesome on this car!

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by gily25

Agree with the practicing...the trick to driving RWD is to train yourself to automatically correct a skid. Once it's automatic you won't even notice there was a skid. Decelerate/downshift instead of braking you'll have less skids to deal with.

Look in the regional sections and see if there are any autocross or track training days listed that you can get to, a lot of the custom shops are setting them up so people can learn with an instructor.

this is correct! keep your foot off the brake,or you can lock up the rear end,
and go out of control.

[DeepHunta]

hmmm....thanks for the input everyone.

I might just bring the "breezer" out of hiding again

[blu_]

The OEM tires are just awful in the rain grip wise. Just slow down and drive like Jesus would drive

I am putting my old snow tires from my STI on and driving from Portland to Wenatchee at xmas. If I make it back alive, I will tell you.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

Originally Posted by blu_

The OEM tires are just awful in the rain grip wise. Just slow down and drive like Jesus would drive

Jesus can walk on water... he can drive on it like it ain't no thang

[Erik @ GBox]

Well I would have to say that given the hanging fastball over the middle of the plate you through in asking this question, the replies have been far better then I would have expected.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with displaying a bit of caution with regards to what your New and First RWD car is going to be like in rain and snow. Given that you do have another option, why not be cautious?

With that said though, I would expect the BRZ to be far better than say my 944 was. It was certainly okay to drive in the rain and snow, but not exactly something that would want to do all the time. The traction control in the Subaru is fantastic for someone who is worried about these conditions and should serve you quite well as you get used to your new car.

I would recommend short trips at first and a bit of playing around so that you can find the good and bad in your handling in a safe environment. Give yourself some extra space and seat time and I am sure you will be fine.

Erik