The Prius sucks in winter.

Snow tires. 'Nuff said.

The stock tires suck in the snow, and I suspect are responsible for 90% of the winter time complaints that we see here.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brick @ Feb 26 2007, 12:16 AM) [snapback]396397[/snapback]</div>

Nokian Hakapelitta RSI's will take you anywhere, if the snow is not deeper than the clearance under your front bumper.

 

My new Firestone Affinity tires have handled very well this winter.

 

There are 4 fuses and 2 relays in the engine compartment fuse box that control the ABS.

If I were stuck in the snow with the ABS causing a safety hazard, I'd certainly consider pulling the ABS fuses. My guess is that everything can be restored by just replacing the fuses. But I'm not a Prius technician, and it could be much more involved to restore everything. If you can, talk with a real Prius technician before trying this.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 25 2007, 07:45 PM) [snapback]396471[/snapback]</div>

Sucks? I also live in Minnesota and haven't a problem in the world with this car in the snow.
Sorry I disagree. Have a nice day.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SiliconAddict @ Feb 25 2007, 04:11 PM) [snapback]396396[/snapback]</div>

No argument, should not be as sensitive as it is. However, with Mich X-ice winter tires that I've been using in the, yes, you guessed it, winter, I've not had any problems.

TRAC seems to be more sensitive 06 and earlier.

This has been an excellent winter car for us, to my amazement.

 

Snow tires are all great and good but we should be able to disable traction control. That is the one thing I am really disappointed about; the traction control makes it very difficult to get out of snow that normally the car wouldn't have a problem with. Here in VA we only get snow maybe 2-3 times a winter and the only snow we really have to drive through is in parking lots...hardly worth getting snow tires.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ozymandias @ Feb 25 2007, 11:46 PM) [snapback]396537[/snapback]</div>

I don't think turning traction control off will help you get out of snow. Spinning your tires doesn't work. Who thinks spinning your tires works?

I've had great luck with traction control on my 07 Pri. If you keep the pedal pressed down you'll get out. I didn't have any trouble getting up the hills. Getting down was more difficult and took longer.

Dave

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Feb 26 2007, 12:12 AM) [snapback]396546[/snapback]</div>

Really? It sure worked on my is300 after the snowstorm last week...it really depends on how stuck you are.

 

It's pretty funny all these posts about how terrible the Prius is in winter. IT'S 6-7 INCHES OF SNOW!!! Most cars are going to have trouble with that. Not to mention the stock tires are not the best on regular roads. As far as realistic winter performance on stocks, I haven't had many issues. In fact, I think the ABS and Traction Control work pretty well. Certainly better than my '02 Civic that slides all over the place.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SiliconAddict @ Feb 25 2007, 07:11 PM) [snapback]396396[/snapback]</div>

So, when you say winter, you mean like what we get in Alaska, right?

The Prius does just fine in snow and ice, so long as you have good snow tires. The stock tires are 100% junk.....loud, no grip, poor wear. I agree with you about the traction control, though. I wish there was an *easy* way to disable it for a short period of time.

(I already know the hard way)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Feb 25 2007, 10:12 PM) [snapback]396546[/snapback]</div>

People who haven't had intro physics. :mellow:

 

Okay, I haven't really had a chance to test the Prius in the snow, it only snowed once here since I bought my Pri. I will buy snow tires for next winter Im thinking BLIZZAKS?

One Problem I do notice though is that the TRAC turns on when I am trying to pull into traffic from a dead stop and the tire slip on sand. :angry: not very good when I am trying to get in front of a speeding car and my car just loses power. oh well I'll get the hang of it sooner or later. Maybe Later.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Feb 25 2007, 09:12 PM) [snapback]396546[/snapback]</div>

I'm guessing your point is that the static coefficient of friction is higher than the sliding coefficient. If you've ever seen a good traction control system at work, there is very little spinning of the tire.

But static vs. sliding coeff. of friction is not the only factor at play. If you're really stuck, it's possible that a spinning tire can grind through a layer of ice or hard pack, down to pavement which will have an even higher coefficient of friction with your tire, giving you sufficient grip to extricate your vehicle.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TomorrowMatters @ Feb 26 2007, 03:07 PM) [snapback]396804[/snapback]</div>

I run Blizzak WS-50 tires, and they work great. The only down side is that the special water-wicking rubber compound only goes 40 or 60% of the tread depth, below which is standard winter rubber. So far not a problem since it will be at least two more seasons before I run them down that far. (This is their second, and I average 3-4,000 miles on them each year.

As for pulling out in front of a speeding car, I'd say avoid that if at all posible. Not a good choice in any car, unless you're talking about the rare "came out of nowhere" incident. I hate those.

 

I quess I must doing something wrong?

I have been very impressed with how my Prius performs as I deliver mail on hilly, curvy, snow and ice covered roads here in Wisconsin with just all season tires.

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Silicon,
Get a set of Blizzaks. Huge difference. Recommend you just get them mounted on an extra set of wheels. Price them on tirerack.com, then take the page to Tires Plus and they will match the price, plus swap them on and off each season for free. Steel wheels, or the nice-looking and pretty cheap Sport Edition alloys.

Pre-Blizzaks, car wouldn't move in a situation like Saturday night.
Post-Blizzaks, well, I drove to/from a party Saturday, no plows had been anywhere yet except the major drags, and I had no major problems.

It's not the Prius; it's the tires.

Rob (Eden Prairie, MN)