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Old 12-28-2004, 10:16 AM   #1
chillinrfc
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 8
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Hydroplane / Spin out in the rain

I was driving on Interstate 10 eastbound at Central Avenue in Montclair, California. There was moderate to somewhat heavy rain. I had just entered the freeway, was in the second lane, about 60-65 mph in 5th gear. A few seconds later, I hit a rain groove or a groove in the road from where the freeway lanes used to be. My 2000 boxster started following the groove and all of a sudden, i was doing 360s clockwise. I was headed towards the brick wall on the right while doing a total of 3 and 1/4 360s. I was so lucky to have come to a stop before hitting the wall because i was stepping on the brakes this time (5 years ago, the same thing happened to me in my 1996 Honda Civic with balding tires, which I believe was the cause. That time, i didnt touch the brakes and did run into the side retainer wall).

I was in shock, but extremely lucky because no car hit me and i missed the brick wall. My tires have about 20k miles and fairly good tread left. I am seeking any insight into all the factors that caused this spin out today. I know of tirewear, tire pressure, car weight, amount of water, and car speed.

I am more in disbelief because i purposely chose to take this car over my 1992 Honda Accord, believing that a performance car could handle grooves at 60mph. However, part of me is saying that if i had taken the Accord, i might have hit the wall for sure.

This boxster was bought used and there may be suspension or other handling issues that I need to have checked out. Or perhaps the spinout was inevitable regardless of the car. Any comments or suggestions for having my car checked out is appreciated.
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