Braking hard. Volvo 242 DL

Dome · Post by **Dome** » 21 Apr 2016, 23:28

I've had 2 instances where I've had to brake hard in emergency sityations. Both times my 242 DL has slid!

Is this due to the vehicles weight? I've had to brake in a similar way in my wife's 2003 VW golf and it stops in fairly short order.

My 242 DL now has a bent front end for the second time. I live in Los Angeles where one needs to be able to stop fast quite often.

Just wondering if I should invest in a more Agile vehicle or fix my 242DL.

The tires had plenty of tread.

Any similar experiences or contrary?

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Apr 2016, 23:45

I myself never owned a 200 Series Volvo, but various other cars of that vintage. Good chances are you don´t have ABS. Even if it does, hte ABS control module´s working frequency is way lower than that of your wife´s 2003 Golf.

If you´re Brakes are locking up too easily try going with the widest tires possible, this gives you more contact patch. And see how old the tires are. Even with nice tread left, if htey are dry rotten from the SoCal sun, they are junk. I had the same Problem for years, upgraded to wide Yokohamas way too much tire for the car, and suddenly it stops on a dime. In dry weather of course.

Keep the 242 going, old Volvos just get better with age.

Dome · Post by **Dome** » 22 Apr 2016, 13:24

I have a suspicion that the tires are to blame! Thanks for pointing that out. Nice tread but when it comes to breaking the would slide like I was on ice. No noise of screeching tires or rubber! Bloody dealer must have grabbed second hand ones!!! Not happy. Thanks for the encouragement.

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 22 Apr 2016, 13:58

My car has ABS so like Clemens said, that may be part of it. As to why it keeps happening, look into the best tires for your car, or you might have different tire pressures in each tire.