Proud of my Prius Snow Performance

[randalla]

Just back up a hundred feet hit the "last got stuck" place at speed, you should be able to get all the way in after doing that a few times! :-) Maybe Coastal Dave can make a little "cow catcher" like plow for our Prii. Just enough to ensure 4.9" max height snow. ;-)

I'd be really happy if some enterprising entrepreneur (Dave @ Coastal, perhaps?) realized that there might be a market for and on/off switch for the TC. I'd be first in line to give it a try. Ya listening, Dave?

[randalla]

Hi Randy:

I've noticed the biggest traction gain on glare ice and in deep snow - especially deep snow OVER glare ice. Unlike all-season tires, the traction doesn't appear to become worse at frigid temps of -30 C or colder.

I was told by my Toyota dealer to follow the door jamb inflation, to keep more of the tread in contact with the road. I did try inflating them to 44F 41R (Max cold is 44psi on the Dunlop Graspic DS-2) and noticed the glare ice performance suffers. I guess Dunlop must have sent that information to dealers that install Graspic winter tires.

Still way better than all-season, but there is a difference on glare ice if you keep them at 44F 41R versus 33 F 30 R. I figure at city speeds of 60 km/h and slower, it won't hurt anything running them at factory specs.

Do you also find the steering response a bit numb? It's easy enough to get used to.

Jayman...Yeah, I also noticed that the feel of the steering changed a bit after putting on the Graspics. The car ride definitely feels like it's running smoother and somewhat quieter than how the Integritys felt. I'm thinking that is mostly due to the softer compounds of the tires not transmitting road effects to car.
So are you now running 33F/30R in your Graspics? Have you noticed any adverse effect on gas mileage since installation?

[jayman]

Hi Randy:

Mine also rides softer, which is nice over potholes!

I run 33 F and 30 R. Compared to the Michelin Harmony, on a given stretch of Trans Canada, the MFD claims I'll use 5.3 liters per 100 km. With the Michelin Harmonies under somewhat similar conditions, 5.1.

A difference of almost 3 MPG. That's on the highway, in city traffic there is no difference.

[Tideland Prius]

Jayman, I now understand your experience with the Prius on a snowy ramp. I (without thinking) stopped on a hill and when I tried to start off, it wouldn't budge. I moved maybe a max of a cm or two. I had to slide back down the hill.

[jayman]

Jayman, I now understand your experience with the Prius on a snowy ramp. I (without thinking) stopped on a hill and when I tried to start off, it wouldn't budge. I moved maybe a max of a cm or two. I had to slide back down the hill.

Join the club, we've got jackets ...

Yep, it completely took me by surprise the first time it happened. I actually thought it had croaked on me again.

After a few of those incidents, and given how long winter lasts here, the snow tires became a top priority. Since I put on the snow tires, the icy parking ramps are nothing to fear.

[pepa]

We just got through major snow storm here in Northern Illinois.

During these few days, I completely forgave Toyota for not including VSC OFF switch. For what Prius did for me in that mess out there, I'll be happy to push it up my iced driveway anytime :mrgreen:

[Rick Grahn]

Pepa,
After driving all through and around Chicago in the snow this last week I have nothing but respect for the Toyota Prius' handling in snow/ice. I have OEM tires too.

[tag]

Same area, same respect!

My Prius had abolutely no problem handling a turn on the snow-packed, ice-based turn near my house that caused my son's CR-V to fishtail almost out of control. So far, I'm perfectly satisfied with the car's capabilies on slippery surfaces (OEM tires and all).

[mmalar97]

I just bought 8 blizzack 60's for both my 07 and 08 Prius'. How do they handle on ice and snow?

[jayman]

I've used the Blizzak on other cars, and have used the Dunlop Graspic DS-2 and Yokohama Ice Guard 10 on my Prius, currently using studded Goodyear Nordic from Canadian Tire.

The Nordic is the same as the Ultra Grip 500 sold in Europe, a respected winter tire.

The Blizzak will provide much better snow traction, and better ice traction, compared to the "all season" tires. A modern studded winter tire will provide better ice traction, and comparable snow traction