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Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Prius Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control
54 messages, Last post on Jul 19, 2009 at 3:17 PM
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Glad this topic is here as traction control is a big issue in my decision on the next car (I live in Portland OR and we are expected to have a lot of snow and ice this year). If a Prius is Parked with Both left side wheels on asphalt/concrete, both right side wheels on ice or snow or gravel, and then the Driver then decides to accelerate.... What happens? 1. Prius goes nowhere (wheel spins, traction control cuts power) 2. prius spins wheels on right side and tries to move 3. Prius simply moves forward without problem 3 is how the new Subarus I drove handle the situation. Huge traction advantage in winter, but the Subies guzzle gas by comparison. Comments? Is braking also an issue under those conditions? |
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Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Nov 25, 2007 9:10 am) With braking, it's no different than any other car. Even a Subaru will have trouble stopping on ice. It all depends on what tires you have on the car. In reading this topic (posts before yours) I see people are still confusing traction control, anti-lock braking, and VSC. Traction control will reduce or cut power to the wheels when you accelerate, if the wheels spin up. In the case of the Prius, it does this aggressively to prevent over spinning of one of the motor-generators (wheels can spin up faster than the engine can start up - if the engine is not running motor-generator #1 can be over spun if the wheels go faster than about 43 MPH or 66 kmph.) I have noticed this is less of a problem if the engine is running, so it looks like the computer allows for this condition. Anti-lock braking will vary braking power on each wheel if the wheel spin rate of that wheel is a certain percentage lower than the other wheels. Some are three channel (both rear wheels are considered one) and some are four channel (all four wheels are individually controlled). This system only works under braking. The Prius uses regenerative braking, as well as hydraulic braking. The regen braking is very effective in slippery conditions, as it is not as forceful as hydraulic braking. The big benefit with anti-lock braking is it allows you to steer around whatever you might be traveling toward, whereas if you just lock the brakes you cannot steer (car continues in the direction it was traveling until it stops or hits something). VSC, or vehicle stability control, also called dynamic stability control, and several other names, will use braking on individual wheels to correct a skid and may also reduce power, usually even before the driver realizes there is a problem. This is usually not under braking, but driving through a corner. It can also work while braking, in concert with anti-lock braking above.
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Replying to: pathstar1 (Nov 26, 2007 9:00 am) Silver Spring, MD
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Replying to: elissacl (Dec 05, 2007 10:48 am) I recently purchased a set of standard 15" Prius rims on eBay, and just had mounted four "performance" snow tires, not as aggressive as some out there in terms of deep snow capability, but better in terms of dry road handling and somewhat higher winter temps, the sort we have here in mid Maryland, other than the 2 and 3 foot snows we've had in the past. I purchased Hankook icebear W300s. Another tire that rated highly in the categories I was interested in, but not available at the retail level in this part of the country, was the Viking Snow Tech. Today's snow looks to be about 3 inches out here. I'll know when I leave work how it does on the standard Touring tires, unless the roads are cleared by then. Last February, just after buying the car, I did take it through the neighborhood on the unplowed street, about 3 inches, and had no trouble at all, on level ground. I know I will have to put up with the yellow TPM warning light while I have the snows mounted. And I also now understand that after I put the originals back on, I still might have to take it to a Toyota dealer to have the sensors re-registered.....I hope not. |
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Replying to: elissacl (Dec 05, 2007 10:48 am) I got 185/65R15 88H. They are not cheap tires, so be prepared to pay around $100 each for them (best price I was able to fine on the internet). Just to complicate our lives, Nokian have come out with a new version WR, the WR G2. It looks even better on paper. It's lighter yet stronger (higher load/speed rating). It hasn't been out long enough to get peoples experience yet. A fellow over on Priuschat may purchase them to try them out. He was quoted $103 each from a local tire shop. Not a bad price. |
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We live in San Diego, CA and have a place in the mountains. Snow tires would not be practical. Any suggestions for chains or cables? I remember when we bought the car they had us sign something about using chains. Are the cables, like Super Z6 O.K. to use? The roads up there have signs that say chains are required, which I assume is in effect during snow and icy conditions. Celeste Kennedy
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Replying to: pupvolunteer (Dec 06, 2007 8:57 am) |
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Replying to: lalcott (Jun 08, 2007 10:31 am) Driving our '07 on slick roads for the first time at the beginning of winter felt pretty skittery. After some reaearch, we got Les Schwab "Observe" snow tires. They aren't studded but are supposed to act like studded and are relatively quiet. (Les Schwab is a western US dealer). In practice stops and cornering on very icy roads, they are confidence-inspiring. Also, no problem on mountain passes as long as the snow's not too deep. Putting on snow tires cost 4-5 mpg, but easily worth it because the car feels more like a Subie with studs (my previous winter car). Our driveway is 3/4 mile long, steep, with a couple of tight turns. With the factory tires, my '07 Prius lost traction in 1" of wet, new snow. With snow tires, it climbs quite well. Like any car, when it starts to slip, backing off very slightly helps to get the grip back. YMMV, but I've found the biggest problem with slick stuff (snow, rain or gravel) is that the Prius has a lot of torque and the traction control system doesn't manage it well if you just stomp on the gas. |
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Replying to: methowvalley (Dec 26, 2007 3:37 pm) |
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Replying to: andyu (Jan 17, 2008 12:34 pm) Use TRAC as an indication of conditions, not as something to rely on as help in those conditions, its actions are far to ROUGH-EDGED. |
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