The official "my Yaris handles bad on the highway/with crosswinds" thread

[arcath]

Guys I just got my Yaris sedan on monday, but I got a problem and im not sure how to fix it.

when i was driving home from the dealership on the interstate, it seems that when i hit 60-80mph the car is ALL OVER the road. almost uncontrollable.

I love the car to death, it handles awesome if im not on the interstate.

But i have to head back to the dealership tomorrow and on the interstate for 50 miles to get there.

I'm not looking forward to this.

Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

[churp]

Sidewinds can be a problem.....check the tire pressure on all 4 tires, some of us think a little extra helps (35-40), then have the dealer check alignment. Check some of the other threads on side winds and handling.....may be an alignment problem.

[fu_im_from_texas]

I felt the same way when I picked up mine...it felt very darty...like any crosswind, bump or groove would send me into a guardrail...

Give it a few weeks, you will get used to it...the yaris has more bodyroll than I was used to...and a very short wheelbase, which gives the illusion of being out of controll...

(Ive had my yaris 3 months and 10k miles)

[blacksan]

You are not in tune with the steering input yet. Every vehicle has it's own characteristics and the Yaris is unique with the addition of electronic steering. The problem (per say) is the sensitive steering control and you are just administrating too much correction. Have you ever driven a old jeep, or zero turn lawn mower? The reason I ask is that it correlates with my explanation. When you get a few more miles behind the wheel it will become natural.

[churp]

Arcath....you don't say where you're from but out here in the plains sidewinds are a bitch......after 6,000+ miles I might be more used to it but even after lowering springs I slow down on certain days.....the light weight and high profile are just part of the car.....my only complaint about the car.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by churp

Arcath....you don't say where you're from but out here in the plains sidewinds are a bitch......after 6,000+ miles I might be more used to it but even after lowering springs I slow down on certain days.....the light weight and high profile are just part of the car.....my only complaint about the car.

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

[Chris07LB]

I drive 99% highway at speeds between 65-75mph everyday.

I know exactly what you are talking about, and would suggest checking the tire pressure.

Since keeping mine adjusted, the car is perfect.

[churp]

Originally Posted by blacksan

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

Only had it 3 months but got thru a couple storms fairly well....winds my only problem.

[arcath]

Im in Nashville.

I thought it might just be the new tires and after couple hundred miles, it might even out. Just got the car on monday, brand new. right now, im sitting at 120ish miles.

This actually has me scared to drive on the interstate now. Your right though, Im not used to driving this yet.

I have been reading though, everything is stock, so im going to add a bit of air in the tires tonight before I leave.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by Chris07LB

I drive 99% highway at speeds between 65-75mph everyday.

I know exactly what you are talking about, and would suggest checking the tire pressure.

Since keeping mine adjusted, the car is perfect.

How many PSI are you running, and which tires did yours come with?

Mine came with the Japanese Goodyear's and they work well! it seems like the Bridgestones AKA Flintstones are not as acclimated to the task?

[brickhardmeat]

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

Hmmmm, I really do believe that folks are just not use to the sensitive steering input. I drive for a living and found my Yaris groove after about 50 miles. Yes, I am in the process of upgrading my suspension too, but not as radical as some of the folks here.

[arcath]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

being strapped for cash, and this being a family vehicle, im not comfortable with lowering it.

Im considering new tires, but the whole strapped for cash thing.....

Maybe if the insurance money from my "Act of God" car claim comes in. :)

[brickhardmeat]

oh, your in a sedan

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by arcath

being strapped for cash, and this being a family vehicle, im not comfortable with lowering it.

Im considering new tires, but the whole strapped for cash thing.....

Maybe if the insurance money from my "Act of God" car claim comes in. :)

Personally I am going with the TRD springs that only dump your ride about 1.5" front & rear. You don't even need new dampers with this setup. As far as new rubber is concerned unless you are doing some serious driving it would not benefit you. On that note let he flaming begin!

[arcath]

I am very happy with my manual Sedan. :)

well, cept for driving on the interstate.

But Im hoping that inflating to what the sidewall suggests will fix that.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by arcath

I am very happy with my manual Sedan. :)

well, cept for driving on the interstate.

But Im hoping that inflating to what the sidewall suggests will fix that.

I think that you will find the max sidewall inflation different then what the manual calls for. Does your sidewall inflation say 44 PSI max?

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

Yeah, my ECHO is the same although I know the suspension is different but similar attributes as far as what you guys are saying. I hate it personally. Its a floaty, darty design. It sucks going around corners even when its not that bad and crosswinds...don't get me started. I love my car but, man that suspension gets to me. I would love to upgrade the suspension and lower the car but I need $$$ and be smart about my $$$ at the moment. Maybe later or just get another car eventually. I hate slowing so much just when I go on the highway or get off, you know the clover leaf design?? I digress...