Winter tires

[rjmiz]

Toady I purchased and mounted Michelin X-Ice snow tires on all fours. Getting ready for our first snow storm
tonite. The tires arrived today after they had to be ordered special from my local tire dealer. Now, my intention
is to put back the original tires this Spring. These tires cost $500 (mounting, balance, tax). I will have my go at it by tomorrow as were expecting anywhere from 8-24".

I picked Michelin X-Ice because of the rating consumer reports gave them. No other reason. Top pick of all snow tires tested.

I learned today that every tire in USA is designated M&S. I only thought all season tires had that. I was
informed by the salesman that every single tire sold in America has to has that M&S designation or they can't be sold.

Well after owning 4 wheel drives all my life, I'm getting ready for this new adventure tomorrow....can't wait.

[jayman]

The "M+S" rating doesn't really mean anything, it's actually at the "discretion" of the tire maker! A tire that is *certified* for use in snow and icy road conditions, MUST have the "snowflake" symbol. Only genuine winter tires have that.

http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/...jsp?techid=125

http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/c...ires/index.html

[rjmiz]

Well I did it! The new tires presented no problems in the snow, and my worst fears slowly diminished.
I am now officially a "happy Prius owner".

Question: Has anyone thought that being able to turn off the stability control might present any benefits?
I remember a month or so ago getting stuck in 2 inches of mud. If I just had the ability to turn off the stability
control, I would have been able (I believe) "rock" myself out of the mud hole I was in, and free myself.

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Miz @ Feb 14 2007, 09:50 PM) [snapback]390625[/snapback]</div>

Question: Has anyone thought that being able to turn off the stability control might present any benefits?
I remember a month or so ago getting stuck in 2 inches of mud. If I just had the ability to turn off the stability
control, I would have been able (I believe) "rock" myself out of the mud hole I was in, and free myself.
[/b]

That is Traction Control, not VSC. At last count there were 4,693 threads on PC talking about the evils of Traction Control (I may have exaggerated a bit, but it seems like that many). Traction Control is necessary on the Prius to tame all the low end torque from the electric motors, but we all agree it needs some tweaking to make it less obnoxious and intrusive.

Tom

[rjmiz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Feb 15 2007, 09:15 AM) [snapback]390793[/snapback]</div>

That is Traction Control, not VSC. ....but we all agree it needs some tweaking to make it less obnoxious and intrusive.
Tom
[/b]

2009 the Prius is due for an all new re-design. I can't wait!