Do's and Don't's

[wormdoggy]

Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Ok........... having had my Viper for only a short period of time, I have been extremely cautious, as I am in any NEW car, about my driving habits. I think it's very important to know the car you are driving and its capabilities.

I would like to know from you veteran drivers about the simple do's and don't's about driving your car. How do you drive it and what would you recommend to newbie owners like myself? Have you had any extreme moments that caught you off guard while driving your car? Have you ever lost traction or spun out? Have you always been in control ?

I was at a car show last night and a guy there told a story about how he wrapped his car around a pole accelerating into a curve. I felt sorry for him, but at the same time it reinforces my believe that you need to fully understand what your driving.

Thanks in advance.
Patrick

 

[KaiPL]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

My Viper scared me badly when I first had it.

I was very uncomfortable with the way it would follow grooves in the road. I was uncomfortable with the stiff suspension. I was uncomfortable with the super responsive steering.

The best thing I did was take some high performance driving lessons. I was able to get private lessons from a good instructor in my own car. Taking my car to the track and learning from a professional driver helped me learn to drive the car better on the street. I became familiar with the car's abilities and limits, and became much more comfortable with driving it.

Just take it slow at first, don't get on the accelerator unless your wheels are pointed straight ahead, and get some professional driving instruction in your own car.

Here's my first post, from when I bought my car. Lots of the same concerns and questions you have.

http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB21&Number=369003&Forum=UBB21&Words=not%20worthy&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=369003&Search=true#Post369003

 

[Vintage Racer]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Some professional high performance driving instruction would be a good thing in which to invest. In the interim here's three very basic DO's:

1. When braking HARD, always brake in a stragiht line only.

2. When accelerating HARD, always accelerate in a straight line only.

3. Always have your eyes focused well down the road. Avoid target fixation on the car in front of you. Everything seems to be going slower when your eyes are "out front".

And a final thought. Wet roads will kill you.

 

[FASTFUN]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

I have had my Viper for about two months. I went to the Skip Barber 2 day driving school(they run Vipers). I had tons of fun and learned a lot about how to drive a high performance car. Well worth the time and money. They give VCA members a 25% discount. Have fun with the new ride!

 

[MAVERICK]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Take it to the track for the day and hire a Skip Barber instructor for the entire day... you won't regret it.

 

[SRTRICKY]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Don't stare at all the chicks looking at you while your driving your car!!!!! I ALMOST learned that the bad way!

Don't let go of the steering wheel becuase if theres a *** hole or anything the car will be all over the road while your changing your cd or have one arm out the side and the other on the shifter!

Finally don't go from 3rd to 2nd and stomp it while doing it because it will slide all over the road!

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Lots of good advice.

A few Skip Barber driving programs will provide a good foundation for driving your Viper or any performance vehicle. Until then apply throttle with respect and knowledge of the road conditions. Always look ahead several seconds. Caution in turns with throttle, shifting and braking. When shifting place your hand on the shifter with the palm facing the passenger's door (back of hand facing drivers door). This will help prevent missed shifts.

Welcome to the Viperholics of the Universe.

 

[redsrt03]

Re: Do\'s and Don\'t\'s

Be aware of "gawk" factor. When driving a Viper, many other drivers will slow down or speed up to get a look at your car. This causes a disruption in the "traffic flow" that can be irritating (if you are trying to pull out on a busy street, you see a break in the traffic and someone slows down or speeds up which closes the break before you can merger) or downright dangerous (had a kid come within inches of rear-ending the car next to me as he was busy looking at my car.