VX Out of Control on Snow....HELP!!!

[johnnyapollo]

The ABS can freak out if you have a lot of snow caught up in the calipers. How deep is the unplowed snow you're playing in?

--John

[SGT.BATGUANO]

It's funny that a discussion about Phantom Loss Of Traction (Spontaneous) shoud attract so many responses, in light of my recent encounter.

I remember about 2 months ago, someone posted on vmag about their family member who had phantom spontaneous loss of traction and possibly totalled their VX.

Could this be some kind of subversive Japaneese plot to wipe out the best and brightest in America?????????

More seriously, even the best drivers in the most well- equipped cars, in ideal conditions sometimes lose control. A cause is usually found if investigated , be it driver, mechanical and/or surface conditions.


If it's truly slick, your abs won't help. It all depends on having some traction. The abs starts pulsing the brakes when it senses that a wheel is locked.

Best advice:

Wear your seat belt

Drive alert and aware

Keep your Vx in shape.



Now a question, I don't know if it's a traditional debate, but I've heard arguments for both sides of the tire width vs. traction issue.
Can someone set the record straight? Which width and tread types are best for:

Dry

Wet

Snow

Mud

Rocks.



Finally,

How about a seasonal poll ?

Aside from the stock tires, which everyone seems to rate mediocre, has anyone tried 2 or more Different brands of snow-rated tires and how would you compare them or rate them against the stockers and eachother?

[Tonka]

Originally posted by joe-yamma

Another questions though: What is up with the ABS? I pulled my fuse tonight because my ABS almost killed me about three times. When I pushed on the brakes at two stop signs, the ABS kicked in an "pulsed," but the pedal was about 1/2 down... it was almost like the ABS was "hypersensitive"... the problem was that the brakes were pulsing, but the vehicle was still moving. I think that my ABS is malfuncitoning and needs checked... what does it sounds like to you guys???

Joe

FYI
ABS is not made to help you stop but keep control. Plusing let the tires keep moving and it helps prevent you from sliding. Without ABS slamming on brakes could cause you to spin from side to side.

[hchen]

i dunno...you might have to polish up on your skillz with driving on SNOW.

we got a lot of snow around Rutgers University in New bRuns, NJ...and anyone who is around piscataway/Edison area knows they suck at plowing. I was just doing 50mph+ on roads wehre i couldnt see the black of the pavement and drifting corners...AND i run on ****ty tires that have barely any tread left...the only time i lost control was when i had to step on the brakes when i was going 20mph when some idiot decided to walk in front of my car and i did a 360 and never stopped..kept on driving on...pretty fun.

doing 360's and crazy ish like that shouldnt be scary at alll, it's extremely entertaining.

SNOW = BEST DRIVING CONDITION
im about to go out in 10 minutes again after i eat something 'cause that's when nobody's around and i can go as fast as i want weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[hchen]

yah about ABS....it almost made me bump anotehr car in front of me. i was on a downhill at a stoplight...i stopped completely behind this one guy...then it turned green...the guy went i let go of my brakes...he stopped for some reason and i braked but kept on sliding...he was lucky my VX stopped in time 'cause if i had hit him, i think i would have gotten out and beat him int he middle of the street for driving a crap eclipse and being dumb.

ok IM OUT driving time BE SAFE everyone, watch out for people that suck at driving...and the POLICE

[Sheik-YurBooty]

I wanna thank all you guys for your "IN DEPTH" responses. But just to get the record straight, Ive been driving in NY snow for over 25 years with no mishaps. And all those years it was only on rear wheel drive cars.Now what was strange is that with a 4wheel drive I almost got killed , and I was extreemly carefull when I started to turn after the stop sign. My foot was like a feather on the accelerator, & just like I said before, I wasnt going more than 3 mph when this lock up happened. Very Strange!!!!!Well anyway Im gonna get me some new winter shoes for the stock 18" rims....Which ones do I get? These will only be for the winter months, in the spring Im getting 20" wheels for the summer months. Im not cutting corners w/ my pocket either. I feel its very important to get Good Shoes for the VX . so in this case , I will pay the big bucks......Thanks again,,,Bruce

[maraaj]

techincally if you were doing 3 mph... you where not driving a 4wd ... TOD does not kick in till 5 mph ? or is it 15? ...hmm ( help someone ? ) which at your slow speed would certainly make sence for the 360 .. being on not so good tires .. and a heavy 2 wheel rear drive vehicle ( theoritically ).


Just a thought ...

[Andrey]

[i]

Another questions though: What is up with the ABS? I pulled my fuse tonight because my ABS almost killed me about three times. When I pushed on the brakes at two stop signs, the ABS kicked in an "pulsed," but the pedal was about 1/2 down... it was almost like the ABS was "hypersensitive"... the problem was that the brakes were pulsing, but the vehicle was still moving. I think that my ABS is malfuncitoning and needs checked... what does it sounds like to you guys???

Joe [/B]

Same story here !

[-x-]

Wow, sounds like a good headache...i for one am dying to get my vx anywhere near snow to have some fun. Anyone think we'll get 10+ inches down here in FL Oh well we got mud....x

[valenki]

Yeah, I agree, those duelers are not that good in snow. But we have about 15 inches here right now and coming. I took a ride through the neighbourhood and I have to say my truck is pretty good. As far as stopping, you have to be very carefull. When we get storms as big as this one here, I see crazy moms overturn and skid off the road in their "SUV's" all the tme. Just called the Autozone, cables are $100 bucks, is it worth it?

[joe-yamma]

Originally posted by johnnyapollo
The ABS can freak out if you have a lot of snow caught up in the calipers. How deep is the unplowed snow you're playing in?--John

John, the snow was only about 6"-8" at the time and while it was unplowed, there where ruts in it from other vehicles.
I took the VX around the neighborhood this morning and it seems to be doing a lot better. I don't know, maybe there was a bunch of ice or snow up in the calipers from the 20-mile highway part of my commute.
I will say that I do think that there is something wrong with my ABS and I will not have the fuse back in until after this snow has melted and/or I can get it into the shop to be checked. I will probably hold out until after x-mas to take it to the dealer, but I'll let you guys know what I find out.

Joe

PS - thanks to those who actually gave a thoughtful response.

[Andrey]

Originally posted by Andrey
Same story here !

I would rather be in Orlando then in Boston right now

[Jonnie]

I WAS in Boston for T-day, but am back in Tampa, hee, hee. Started to snow so I pointed the VX south. Pulled up to another VX in Framingham, but could not get the driver's attention (lady).

Jon

[yal^]

Can someone please send some snow to Illinois?

Please

[Inaba]

A couple months ago, it was raining a bit and the roads were wet.

I was coming out of a parking lot and gunned the engine when the back end slid out from under me. I didn't spin, but it was close.

I was like WTF? Where'd my TOD go? So I dunno... seems like you just hit weird conditions that confuse the TOD sometimes.