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anti skid problems?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by thelouvre, Jan 13, 2010.

  1. thelouvre

    thelouvre New Member

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    Location:
    Austin, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    I have been driving my 2009 for a little over a year. For most of that time, I worked about 10 miles from home and drove over a very well maintained freeway (no pot holes...). For the past 2 months, I have changed to a location closer to home and drive the city roads which are not in the best shape especially around the university area. Whenever, I hit a pot hole or just a very bad spot of asphalt AND I have my brakes on, the anti skid light comes on and I can feel that my traction feels like its skidding a bit, probably why the light comes on! But is this normal? Do I need to take the car in for a checkup? I know that my son borrowed this car to transport a bicycle to a back road and ended up getting a small rock trapped up around the wheel. It kept making noise and finally the dealer found the rock. They said it did no damage but then I began to notice the anti skid problem and wondered if it was related to the rock that got caught inside the wheel/steering/driving (?) mechanism.
    Thanks,
    Patty
     
    #1 thelouvre, Jan 13, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Patty,

    This is normal especially if your car still has the original equipment Goodyear Integrity tires which don't have very good traction even in the best of circumstances. After a year of driving, your tread may only have 50% of useful tread left, or less. This further diminishes the available traction. (New tires have 10/32" tread depth, measure yours to see how they compare to new.)

    If this condition bugs you, replace the tires.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Jan 13, 2010
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Or slow down :_>
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Jan 13, 2010
  4. thelouvre

    thelouvre New Member

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    2009 Prius
    Thank you very much! They are original tires.-Patty
     
    #4 thelouvre, Jan 13, 2010
  5. KadensGma

    KadensGma New Member

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    2005 Prius
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    Patty, The tires that come with the car are horrible...I put Perrelli tires on and I cant tell you how much better the car ride and controls...I have put two sets on..Yes very pricey but the world of difference in the ride as well as control... i have 136,00 miles so I have lots of road experience...lol Ginger

     
    #5 KadensGma, Jan 13, 2010
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    When you go over a sharp bump the wheel actually "bounces" on the pavement. This -can- allow the brakes to "lock" that wheel while it's in the air (partially because the wheel is so light and partially because the system is so sensitive), and the anti-lock system detects that as a skid and reduces braking on that wheel. This is the cause of panic in so many who believe the brake system is "failing".

    If this is a problem, you're leaving your braking too late! ;)
     
    #6 David Beale, Jan 14, 2010
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