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Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control - READ ONLY

54 messages,  Last post on Jul 19, 2009 at 4:17 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 6 of 6

#45 of 54 Re: Snow tire recommendations [ldmarron] by tiff_c

Jan 07, 2009 (3:57 pm)

Replying to: ldmarron (Jan 05, 2009 1:06 pm)
I need to get snow tires for my 2008 Prius. Any recommendations? During our last snow storm is was a nightmare. (And I grew up in western NY and know how to drive in the snow.) Thanks!
 
Try the Nokian WRG2 it's a 50,000 mile snowflake rated tire. They work awesome!
If you need a full blown snow tire Nokian makes those as well. I've bought a lot of snow tires over the years, but nothing beats Nokian tires in the snow and ice.
Once you go Nokian, you will never go back!

#46 of 54 Re: Needs a Winter mode [Mauphinburphy] by kdhspyder

Jan 08, 2009 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: Mauphinburphy (Dec 25, 2008 5:35 am)
If you haven't already you might try visiting PriusChat.com. There are a lot of northern drivers there that have had 5-8 yrs of experience with the Prius in all kinds of weather from the Rockies to the recent storms in the NW to the depths of darkest Canada.
 
Like everything else with the vehicle it takes some relearning; e.g. putting the pedal to the floor is the last thing you want to do.
 
To answer your last question, NO. The TC technology is put into the hybrids due to the huge amount of torque from the e-motor. It has to be present at all times or else you'd just be sitting at a stop sign in dry weather spinning your wheels like at a funny car drag race.

#47 of 54 08 Prius in Wisconsin by ctuescher

Jan 15, 2009 (12:09 pm)

So do I put snow tires on just the front wheels or do you need them on all 4?

#48 of 54 Prius in snow by vu2000

Feb 13, 2009 (8:34 pm)

I have a 2007 Prius which I have owned for 2 years now. I and my wife have driven this car in the snow here in DE. In over 45K miles now, I have not noticed any difference between this car and my previous Honda Accords or Nissan in snow. The OE Good Year tires were worse in the snow than our current Falken tires used on this car for the last 15K miles. In snow 6" or more, I simply use our minivan which is heavier with higher ground clearance and can plow through the snow better.

#49 of 54 Re: 08 Prius in Wisconsin [ctuescher] by stevegold

Feb 13, 2009 (9:02 pm)

Replying to: ctuescher (Jan 15, 2009 12:09 pm)
Snow tires go on all four wheels. You need traction to stop as well as to go and for turns and curves. You will need to mark the tires (front, rear, right, left) so you rotate them on alternate years. I had four Blizzak snow tires that looked OK after four winters (less than 20,000 miles) but they didn't hold the road so I replaced them all few months ago with new Blizzaks which are great. You need not just some tread but deep tread or new tread. I take them off in the spring. I have two sets of tires and wheels to make it easier. I change them myself twice a year although many tire stores will change them for free if you bought the tires there.

#50 of 54 Re: 08 Prius in Wisconsin [stevegold] by dmathews3

Feb 14, 2009 (8:21 am)

Replying to: stevegold (Feb 13, 2009 9:02 pm)
Also check the date of manufacturing when buying as you want new tires as they need to be replaced after 6 years due to rotting even though they may look new. I know this as a motorhome owner who never gets enough miles on them but have heard fellow motorhome owners who have had blowouts at speed due to the tire cracking and letting go. So if you have a set of snow tires you have been using for a few years check the date they were made on the sidewall and no matter what they look like to the eye they may be cracked on the inside, do yourself a service and replace as your life is worth more than the $$ they cost.

#51 of 54 Re: Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control [njresident] by cathie2

Mar 21, 2009 (11:42 am)

Replying to: njresident (Mar 09, 2007 12:46 am)
I have a 2008 Pruis with the VehIcle Stability Control. I recommend highly you don't get it if you live where there is snow. You cannot turn off the VSC and if you go into a skid, you lose your power and you cannot get out of your skid. You are totally helpless. DON'T GET IT. It is unsafe,,,,,Trust me. I actually had to call the police trying to get up my hill. I went into a skid and lost all power to move the vehicle. It took my husband 45 minutes of moving the car back and fourth to even move a foot. IT IS DANGEROUS.

#52 of 54 Re: Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control [cathie2] by kdhspyder

Apr 08, 2009 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: cathie2 (Mar 21, 2009 11:42 am)
It's going to mandatory on all vehicles in the US by MY 2012. No getting around it.
 
There's lots of discussion about the subject here with pro's and con's and tips. The first tip is get good snow tires. those that have gotten good winter shoes don't report any issues; Canada, Minn, Colo, Calif mountains, NE, etc.

#53 of 54 Re: Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control [cathie2] by shawnswifie

Jul 19, 2009 (3:38 pm)

Replying to: cathie2 (Mar 21, 2009 11:42 am)
oh my gosh!! I had to reply!! I thought it was my driving!! I tried to leave my home this passed winter(i live in OR) we live on a hill. We have a 2008 and i lost complete control, it was like nothing worked! i ended up down an embankment and had to be towed out very scary!! 12,000 in damage!!!we did not have snow tires, but now im afraid to even to drive it next winter even if we get snow tires. have you bought snow tires did they help.thanks for sharing your story!

#54 of 54 Re: Toyota Prius - Traction Control vs Vehicle Stability Control [kdhspyder] by dmathews3

Jul 19, 2009 (4:17 pm)

Replying to: kdhspyder (Apr 08, 2009 4:23 pm)
On the Fords and GM products I have driven with it there is a button to turn it off. Once you restart the vehicle it is back on unless you manually turn it off.

Messages Page 6 of 6

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