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Venza Performance in Snow and Ice

33 messages,  Last post on Mar 25, 2010 at 5:54 AM

You are in the Toyota Venza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, SUV

Messages Page 4 of 4

#30 of 33 Re: AWD MODEL,YOUR DRIVING IMPRESSIONS ON SNOW AND ICE [adk3] by wwest

Mar 05, 2010 (9:28 am)

Replying to: adk3 (Mar 03, 2010 1:18 pm)
Oftentimes a very slight, judicious, application of a rear wheel implemented e-brake will be of some help in the situation you describe. Sort of like throwing a "drag" anchor out behind a boat.
 
And regarding the actual braking, I have long thought that with the modern day commonality of ABS/BA/TC/VSC/etc it would be really easy to have a braking system that used ONLY the rear brakes for light duty braking. Then only enable front braking additionally if a predetermined brake fluid pressure level were reached and/or ABS indicated impending rear wheel lockup.

#31 of 33 Re: AWD MODEL,YOUR DRIVING IMPRESSIONS ON SNOW AND ICE [wwest] by adk3

Mar 05, 2010 (5:23 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 05, 2010 9:28 am)
If you applied the rear brakes, say using the emergency brake, you would really set the car into a skid. There is no weight in the rear end.
 
Since that skid, and to dampen the jarring of the 20" rims,I actually put 100lbs of steel shot ballast under the front seats and another 100lbs in the rear spare tire well. The ride is much better, but I do not know how this will affect the car in a skid.
I was on rough sheet ice at 70mph.
 
I rather like the idea of having the front engine brake disabled, so you can steer out of it normally. I hope the better weight distribution will help, but the only way to tell is to get back into a skid?!
 
adk3

#32 of 33 Re: AWD MODEL,YOUR DRIVING IMPRESSIONS ON SNOW AND ICE [bobquebec] by kingfans1

Mar 24, 2010 (10:10 pm)

Replying to: bobquebec (Oct 18, 2009 5:48 am)
hello I don't have a venza awd.. but I can tell you 2009 matrix awd do very well in the snow.
 
Toyota make good AWD cars.. I am sure Venza AWD well handle snow and ice very easy...

#33 of 33 Re: AWD MODEL,YOUR DRIVING IMPRESSIONS ON SNOW AND ICE [kingfans1] by adk3

Mar 25, 2010 (5:54 am)

Replying to: kingfans1 (Mar 24, 2010 10:10 pm)
My understanding, having only read blogs on the Venza AWD system, is that Toyota has purchased the rights from Subaru to utilize their patented AWD system and that the current electronically activated AWD by Toyota has not proven to be adequate.
 
In addition, the Matrix is an extremely small and light vehicle, though quite attractive. I had looked at one for my girlfriend. I will respond to my issues with the Venza by filling out a written Toyota Survey and providing all my supporting information for their review and comment. I love many aspects of the Venza, but then I was an avid 1966 Chevy Corvair enthusiast as well.
 
Summarizing my Venza 6 cylinder FWD performance, I am restoring my 1992 Subaru Legacy Wagon in the garage as we speak. The AWD system and tough interior and exterior of the car are hard to match, though it is out of style.
Please understand, I believe all these cars have their problems.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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