Icy roads - spun out into ditch

[Sarlacc]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

With all due respect, you do not want to release the throttle or push in the clutch when you start spinning as that only exacerbates the spin. You actually want to throttle a little to keep traction on the rear and to stabilize the car.

Sounds like we're disagreeing here - but we're not. We're talking about two different things. What I'm saying is that when you've already lost control on snow or ice and already have released the throttle as a panic reaction, press the clutch. That will increase the chance of the rear wheels regaining lateral grip. If the car at some point is lined up with the direction of travel again (forwards or backwards) free rolling wheels are more likely to regain some grip.

[alan.chalkley]

A spin like that usually puts flat spots on all four tyres.

[Kevinn]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn

General update:

Got the car back. The CEL P0108 was caused by MAP/Barometric pressure circuit high input detected at 137KPA. I believe spec is 80-110KPA. Probably from snow entering intake while going into the ditch.

No visible damage to underbody found by mechanic.

Drove it home 130km at high speed and doesn't feel like the car is shaking, but I think I might get an alignment done anyway.

Only weird thing I notice is that during idle I smell something rubbery or something reminiscent of burnt clutch. Might get that checked too...

What about the cruise control light? What did the code in that ecu say?

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

Sounds like we're disagreeing here - but we're not. We're talking about two different things. What I'm saying is that when you've already lost control on snow or ice and already have released the throttle as a panic reaction, press the clutch. That will increase the chance of the rear wheels regaining lateral grip. If the car at some point is lined up with the direction of travel again (forwards or backwards) free rolling wheels are more likely to regain some grip.

Oh, I guess you mean if you're already past the point of no return. I get ya now.

[BRZBlack]

Had a similar hair raising experience a few days ago. Took off my winter tires on monday (72 outside) and wouldn't you know it.... 4 inches of snow on thursday morning as I am ready to leave work. Could barely start from a stoplight in 2nd gear with TC on. Took me over an hour to do a 25 minute drive. You should always keep your TC and stability on in weather like that. Best case scenario is to not drive in it especially on summer tires. Oddly enough, turning TC off and just starting slowly in 1st was actually less terrifying, but being sure that once you are going at a good speed in a straight line, turning all the nannies back on.

As far as your possible damage, get an alignment and have the dealer reset your codes and you should be fine. My guess is that when you were sliding ass first, there wasn't enough traction to make your drivetrain/engine go in reverse. As someone else suggested, ask the dealer for proof of damage to whatever they claim is wrong before you let them work on it.

Best of luck.