Ford Mondeo - Wheel Lock and Slide

[paulb47]

Was driving yesterday at 40mph in moderately wet conditions with small amounts of surface water, braked to take a left turn: the four wheels locked and car went into an uncontrollable slide, rotating 90 degrees etc....
Got it under control and continued driving - thankfully not another road user around a the time.

Is this just something that can happen to anyone once every five years or so, or is it indicative of imminent mechanical failure or a fault with the vehicle?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[^neo^]

If its got ABS i'd be sending it into a garage for a check over

 

[sm1thson]

yep turning and braking dont go together! are you shure all 4 wheels actually locked up and didnt just brake traction as a result of cornering + the extra load of braking?

test your car doesnt lock up in a straight line and that the ABS kicks in (check mirror first).

abs does in some ways allow more control and cornering when braking but there is still limits.

I would go and check how slippy the road was (could have been a diesel spill?). and find lots of space and try and recreate the event (just for the fun if nothing else).

 

[JohnD]

Look at your tyre tread

And try to remember to take road conditions into account when driving. Lucky you weren't approaching a zebra crossing full of people.

Was it an ordinary saloon car, or something unstable like a 4x4?
(edited - I see - a Mondeo. Looks like the forces just exceeded the grip of the tyres then)

 

[johnwr]

I agrre with sm1thson, diesel on wet road is very dangerous. I think you should find a dry and quiet road and try stopping several times from say 30mph at increasing pressures until you get wheel lock (if you lock a wheel let off quickly), this will tell you if you have any braking problems.
hope this helps johnwr

 

[nik161]

I agrre with sm1thson, diesel on wet road is very dangerous. I think you should find a dry and quiet road and try stopping several times from say 30mph at increasing pressures until you get wheel lock (if you lock a wheel let off quickly), this will tell you if you have any braking problems.
hope this helps johnwr

I would second that

 

[richard171189]

The same happened to me , but turning right, with slightly wet conditions.
The car locked up and slid uncontrollably towards a cliff edge. Luckily I hit the kerb witch stopped me .
Not happy with the handling at all. It was at 40 mph also ....[/quote]