Miata Mailing List: December 1993, Message #152
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   From: dbk@mozart.esl.com (David Kay)
Subject: Re: bridgestone original equipment tires
   Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1993 16:05:26 -0500

> I am surprised Ralph Nader hasn't picked up on these yet.

Oh dear.  Minor flame ahead.

Dear Miata drivers (and all people, throughout the world, who wish to  
take responsibility for themselves and their actions):

1.  The traction between the tires and the roadway is decreased  
during the rain.  Different tire compounds, different tread patterns,  
and different road surfaces may ameliorate or exacerbate this  
problem.

2.  Disk brakes are not as functional in the rain as they are in the  
dry.  Additionally, their effectiveness may vary somewhat  
unpredictably in the rain.

3.  1 and 2 above can adversely effect the handling characteristics  
of automobiles in the rain, including by causing oversteer,  
understeer, and locked wheel conditions.

4.  The Miata, being a responsive, neutral handling sports car, may  
be more affected by most cars by rain conditions.  Unexpected  
oversteer, in particular, may occur.

5.  Because of the above, use extreme care when driving your Miata in  
the rain.

6.  If you want to go fast in the rain, tires that increase the  
traction in rainy weather exist.  However, they may exacerbate the  
unpredictability of the car at the limit, so continue to use caution.

Can we get on with life now, or do we have to blame other people and  
things for what happens when we drive a car?

Rather sourly,
dbk