My recently acquired 2007 Cayman S is the nicest car I have ever owned, and am all but terrified of the hostile environment it faces when being driven. What strategies do you use to avoid what threats?
Perhaps the most threatening environment is road construction. Gravel and traffic ahead of you is just asking for it. Freeways that permit trucks are the next worst. Lastly, some areas have obviously poorer drivers and junkier cars, which manifest themselves in aggressive driving, and bizarre road threats. In just ONE day, this week, my wife and I have witnessed a van in front of us, that lost a left front wheel, which shot over the median into the oncoming lanes. The van slid along the brake disc and lower suspension, showering the area with spark and concrete bits. And what of the people on the other side confronted with a flying whee assembly? Thankfully, we were not in the Cayman. Later on, we saw a Chevy Suburban on the side of the road, rear bumper on the ground, because well behind it, were two rear wheels, both with complete axles attached. Some years ago, I was hit in the left knee on my motorcycle by a 24" square window frame flipped up by a car in front of me. A woman out here was killed when a car flipped up a starter motor and put it through the windshield of the car. Chairs, X-mas trees, driveshafts, are other things I have come across, in my lane. I just try to avoid places that where this tends to occur, stay well back, and watch for trucks that were carrying gravel, while watching the rear view mirror for kamikaze drivers. Sometimes, I feel like I am in a war zone out here, made worse by the second worst roads in the nation (San Francisco bay area).
What measures do others take to try and protect their car while enjoying driving it?
- Phil
Perhaps the most threatening environment is road construction. Gravel and traffic ahead of you is just asking for it. Freeways that permit trucks are the next worst. Lastly, some areas have obviously poorer drivers and junkier cars, which manifest themselves in aggressive driving, and bizarre road threats. In just ONE day, this week, my wife and I have witnessed a van in front of us, that lost a left front wheel, which shot over the median into the oncoming lanes. The van slid along the brake disc and lower suspension, showering the area with spark and concrete bits. And what of the people on the other side confronted with a flying whee assembly? Thankfully, we were not in the Cayman. Later on, we saw a Chevy Suburban on the side of the road, rear bumper on the ground, because well behind it, were two rear wheels, both with complete axles attached. Some years ago, I was hit in the left knee on my motorcycle by a 24" square window frame flipped up by a car in front of me. A woman out here was killed when a car flipped up a starter motor and put it through the windshield of the car. Chairs, X-mas trees, driveshafts, are other things I have come across, in my lane. I just try to avoid places that where this tends to occur, stay well back, and watch for trucks that were carrying gravel, while watching the rear view mirror for kamikaze drivers. Sometimes, I feel like I am in a war zone out here, made worse by the second worst roads in the nation (San Francisco bay area).
What measures do others take to try and protect their car while enjoying driving it?
- Phil