I just bought a 2010 Prius and am starting to become very concerned about driving it in the snow. I'v also heard horror stories about the traction control.What has been everyone's experience?
With the previous generation, the traction-control was touchy with the factory tires. With better tires, it wasn't a problem for me... 6 winters in Minnesota. With the 2010, even with the factory tires it's no big deal. Last year went fine, no concerns for me. .
The traction control saved my hide a few ties last winter. And this was with OEM tires on my 2010. When it comes time for me to replace my tires, I plan to get a good year round tire.
I have a gen II Prius. With the right tires a delight to drive in the snow. Last winter I've seen a lot of cars get stuck or struggling, but the Prius had no probs at all.
A Finish Car Magazine tests cars for winter driving on many aspects each year. The 2010 Prius tied for first last winter. But the comments were its winter fuel economy was so good. But, it did not get knocked out of the running because of traction control issues - which if poor it surely would have been. If your not familiar with Finland, its the coldest of the Skandinavian countries.
I'm sure that your Prius handles much better in snow than my BMW Motorcycle did last Saturday morning coming over the Donner Pass in a brief snow storm. Keith
Yep, no problems with Prius in winter. Just remember to switch off ECO mode when driving in deep snow...
I think ground clearance is the biggest issue--I had no probs last winter as long as there wasn't more than about 4-5" or so on the road. But do keep in mind it is never intended to be some burly SUV. Another issue to figure in all this is the cheap-a$$ clips used on the splashguard/oilpan access door. With all that built-in $0.10 plastic integrity, a couple of snowflakes is probably enough to rip them right off. :focus:There's a you-tube posted on here somewhere (no time to search for it now) showing the Gen III going up a pretty steep grade on snow atop ice. Slow, but made it. Not a bad traction control at all, imo. ~T
does anyone know how the prius does with stock all seasons and chains on the front? im guessing the same as any other standard car?
For the 2010, yes. Some of the early Prius have very touchy traction control. That was improved in 2006, but the Gen III 2010s are even better. Tom
I took our Prius out in a snow storm last winter and put it through its paces in our lightly traveled neighborhood. It was packed snow with some ice. I really pushed it and was quite impressed with how well it did. This was with the OEM Yokohama Avid S33's. I think it might have been better than our Lexus RX400h AWD (pretend AWD...) with the OEM Michelin MXV4's (they suck). I wouldn't try deep snow in the Prius, not enough ground clearance.
