Basically I was driving the other day on the motorway going about 70, and my car just seemed to lose control and have a mind of its own, I had to steer into the opposite way it was turning to stop it from veering off. It seems ok at lower speeds but the roads weren't even wet when it happened. I have a Renault Clio that's a 53 plate and has done 70k miles.
It happened worse a few weeks back when it was snowy. I was driving along a dual carriageway and the roads were slightly snowy but not terrible so you could easily drive at 50 maybe 60 but 50 to be safe, and my car just skidded really bad and pulled to the right again I had to correct it to stop it spinning out.
Had anyone got any suggestions as to why this is happening and what I should do about it?
Thanks
Update:To those of you who have commented reasonable explanations, thank you. I do understand that Yahoo answers is not the place to go to stop my car from crashing but I would appreciate less sarcastic answers. My reason for coming on here was to just get a hint of what it might be as I have been ripped off by repair centres before. I do not have the best of knowledge with cars and I thought that someone may have experienced the exact same problem and could tell me an answer straight away. My driving is not the problem. On that snowy road, OK i probably wasn't going 50 I cant really remember it was a few weeks back. I have had enough experience of driving in snowy conditions to know how fast I should be going. It definitely wasn't my driving that was the reason my car skidded.
Again thanks to those who gave me ideas, Daniel, Ryan and DR + Mrs Bear face.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Could be any number of things, worn springs or shock absorbers, loose steering components, incorrect or uneven tyre pressures, poor tyre condition or just bad driving.
Which have you checked? I'll wager none.
You'll want to get your suspension components looked at. Bushes and other linkages over time age and perish, allowing for more 'play'. Suspension components are kept mated to each other with very little tolerances and movement allowed. A worn bush or bushes could contribute nicely to the car having a mind of its own.
Secondly, get your steering alignment checked out. The car could be toeing incorrectly, make sure the fast fit/garage ensure the wheels are straight, thrust-line is level and that they haven't simply made the wheels "parallel" to each other.
I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about your car taking off like an airplane. I'm sure Renault know how to make a car.
Similarly, check your tyres! Make sure they are inflated correctly and also that there is no uneven wear patterns. Wear on your tyres can cause your car to veer.
Hope this helps.
Sounds like you hit a patch of diesel or grease on the motorway, but the snowy road sounds like you weren't getting enough traction.
It sounds like you might have tyres that are too near to being done. Get them checked at a garage.
Also 50-60 is too fast on a snowy road, no matter how light the snow is. So that would contribute.
Had this one time on a Renault,turned out to be the steering rack wasn't securely fastened to the sub frame,not really a stand out thing,took some careful looking and a big pry bar but there it was.
Usual things can cause your problem from ball joints to shock absorbers being shot,but ever since I've paid very close attention to steering racks,
worth looking at,no?
The problems are your driving, wind and slippery roads. See the ones crashed on the side of the road - that will be you unless you learn yto drive correctly to the conditions
You are taking your LIFE into your hands here! go to ANY TYRE store and get a FREE INSPECTION done! BAD TIRES can do thsi and bad front end parts! I suspect bad TIE ROD ends and BAD control arm buchings. DO NOT FOOL AROUND HERE! Get a CHECK UP before you get KILLED! They will check the STEERING and STRUTS as well! PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE FAST or for very long distances! GOOD LUCK!!
Hi Tom
i a car of this age it is most likely due to worn suspension parts which need to be replaced. so take it to a renault dealer as they will know exactly where to look. but my best guess this is a worn bush issue which only a car dealer would have the right parts to correct it.
as this car is now 10 years old some issues do start to happen with worn suspension items and steering racks as wear is the biggest issue with any older car.
it is either your driving or a problem with steering or front wheels probably! your car should be able to go more than 70 MPH without taking off like a plane so your first check should be tyre pressure! you will be surprised how under inflated or over inflated tyres can affect your driving! but you should probs get it into a shop to get looked at! but DO NOT DRIVE until you have fixed!
as none of us were there there who knows?..gust of wind ..patch of oil ...i own a garage ..we test cars by taking them up a straight road ..lining the car up straight ..and take hands off wheel ...sounds dodgy? how else can you try ..most cars will simply drive in a straight line .most will brake in a straight line with no hands on wheel ..but don't try this
Look... you have to get it checked out. Nobody on the internet is going to keep you from killing yourself without looking at the vehicle.