I've wondered why most of the complaints about snow performance are not from our neighbors up north. Yeah maybe they have the common sense to install snow tires when it snows... Well this video helps reassure me that my prius is drivable in the snow. thanks to whoever made the video. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8046782958239824369
That's good to see also.. It was the first video I had seen with the prius in the snow. This coming winter will be our first with the prius also, stock tires no snow tires. If it does not go well in the snow, I think we will move back to Arizona.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ Oct 1 2007, 11:19 PM) [snapback]519985[/snapback]</div> Isn't it cheaper to buy a set of snow tires? Not to mention that driving on snow without them is really dangerous. And difficult.
Having driven a Prius in the Boston, MA area since Feb. 2004 with many a trip into New Hampshire, I can confidently say that the Prius handles very well in snow. I have never had an issue with traction or steering. Two years of that was 100% on the original tires I drove it off the dealer's lot with. However, part of that may be due to learning how to drive up here and not driving like a lunatic in bad weather. The only concern I have come across is the Prius' relatively low ground clearance as sometimes the plowing on my street isn't so good and we end up with wheel ruts on either side of a substantial ridge of ice/snow down the middle of the street. Still, no problems yet.
It's ok if the Integritys have > 50% tread left. You guys try it with < 50%. Even on the snowless west coast, I had some issues with the slush last year. I had no problems (aside from the ECU/TRAC killing all power) in the previous 2 years prior to last year when the tread was deeper.
The Prius in the video doesn't exceed 10 mph, doesn't brake for the stop sign, and doesn't turn a corner. Doesn't convince me. I've found the stock tires to be utterly useless in the snow, and even worse on ice. I feel safer in the snow on my mountain bike. Seriously.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ACORNBLUES @ Oct 1 2007, 03:10 PM) [snapback]519924[/snapback]</div> I took that video last winter. I am glad someone found it useful. After getting out of the unplowed / salted local roads, the dirve on the highway was a safe experience like any other cars.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ACORNBLUES @ Oct 1 2007, 03:10 PM) [snapback]519924[/snapback]</div> The overly aggressive traction control on my '05, with or without snow tires, would have shut down the drive train thereby not even permitting me to rock the car. In my Prius, I'd still be sitting there waiting for the snow to melt.
The key is, once traction control kicks in, keep your foot on the accelerator. Most people tend to let up on the peddle. That's when you lose it. It you keep steady foot pressure, you will keep moving. Been there, done that...!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thomas Eyde @ Oct 1 2007, 04:33 PM) [snapback]519996[/snapback]</div> The car has " All Season tires" lol Plus I hate winter cold weather such as last year.. it sucked and 17" of the white stuff at one time
