Snow and Hills

[SayNoToAmericanCars]

Hi, i'm about to get a Prius and I was wondering how is handles and how it drives on hills and during snowy conditions. Thanks in advance!

[qbee42]

It does about as well as any front-wheel-drive car. The OEM tires are not the best all-season tires, so many of us in snowy areas have replaced them with something better, but there are several posters here on PC that have used the OEM tires for years and claim they do okay in snow. I love the VSC option: my Prius is the most stable car I have ever driven in slippery conditions, including a Jeep and an all-wheel-drive van.

There are two things to keep in mind when driving a Prius in snow:

1) It isn't a truck or SUV, so ground clearance can be a problem. Don't try to wade through deep snow.

2) The traction control is touchy and takes some getting used to, but does okay once you learn how to use it.

Tom

[SayNoToAmericanCars]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Nov 12 2007, 10:46 PM) [snapback]538695[/snapback]</div>

It does about as well as any front-wheel-drive car. The OEM tires are not the best all-season tires, so many of us in snowy areas have replaced them with something better, but there are several posters here on PC that have used the OEM tires for years and claim they do okay in snow. I love the VSC option: my Prius is the most stable car I have ever driven in slippery conditions, including a Jeep and an all-wheel-drive van.

There are two things to keep in mind when driving a Prius in snow:

1) It isn't a truck or SUV, so ground clearance can be a problem. Don't try to wade through deep snow.

2) The traction control is touchy and takes some getting used to, but does okay once you learn how to use it.

Tom
[/b]

Thanks man!

[Chrome]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SayNoToAmericanCars @ Nov 12 2007, 09:56 PM) [snapback]538651[/snapback]</div>

Hi, i'm about to get a Prius and I was wondering how is handles and how it drives on hills and during snowy conditions. Thanks in advance!
[/b]

Awful screen name, just awful.

Some people are just clueless and indifferent to the privilege it is to live in the U.S.A. The least you could do is support its largest manufacturering industries. That, or join the armed forces.


Anyway, your wreckless screenname aside, the Prius has many reports of trouble in the snow, due in part to its "fuel economy over safety" tires and in part to its wack traction control system.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007..._snowbound.html

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=13476

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007...prius_snow.html

[SayNoToAmericanCars]

Thanks for the links and sorry about the screen name...i'll change it if it makes you happier. I just never had an American car that worked out for me. All plaqued with problems, defects, you name it.

[mxvet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 13 2007, 07:21 PM) [snapback]539118[/snapback]</div>

Awful screen name, just awful.

Some people are just clueless and indifferent to the privilege it is to live in the U.S.A. The least you could do is support its largest manufacturering industries. That, or join the armed forces.
Anyway, your wreckless screenname aside, the Prius has many reports of trouble in the snow, due in part to its "fuel economy over safety" tires and in part to its wack traction control system.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007..._snowbound.html

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=13476

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007...prius_snow.html
[/b]

chrome,
your comments are of course your right , however, since you don't have a prius (or hybrid of any sort), your screen name speaks of a disregard for the environment. Best not to toss stones.

[Chrome]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(humble @ Nov 14 2007, 09:42 AM) [snapback]539392[/snapback]</div>

chrome,
your comments are of course your right , however, since you don't have a prius (or hybrid of any sort), your screen name speaks of a disregard for the environment. Best not to toss stones.
[/b]

"Chrome" speaks of a disregard for the environment? Y'all better never eat in a Diner again! You're supporting the destruction of the environment

[David Beale]

Further, be aware "consumeraffairs" is a web site set up by lawyers to attract business, not inform consumers. Your govt has asked them to "cease and desist" but, being lawyers, they can pretty much do whatever they like for quite a while.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 13 2007, 06:21 PM) [snapback]539118[/snapback]</div>

The least you could do is support its largest manufacturering industries. That, or join the armed forces.[/b]

I served 10 years in your Army before moving back to Canada. I've given my pound of flesh, how about you?? Have you volunteered at a VA center recently? When I lived in the States, I regularly volunteered at the VA

Oh, as far as snow traction issues, did I mention all the problems I had with my "proudly made in the USA" 2000 GMC Sierra 4x4? That AutoTrac transfer case is garbage, actually the mode select cluster. When I had a cabin, it left me stuck a few times when it went haywire.

The cute part? The Driver Information Center scrolled "SERVICE 4WD" in scary amber letters. In that failure mode, the transfer case reverts to 2WD and you're stuck. The even cuter part? Three mode select clusters under warranty, and it managed to fail once off warranty, before I dumped the s***box by invoking lemon law protection.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SayNoToAmericanCars @ Nov 13 2007, 08:55 PM) [snapback]539193[/snapback]</div>

I just never had an American car that worked out for me. All plaqued with problems, defects, you name it.
[/b]

Join the club. We have jackets

[usbseawolf2000]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 13 2007, 06:21 PM) [snapback]539118[/snapback]</div>

the Prius has many reports of trouble in the snow, due in part to its "fuel economy over safety" tires and in part to its wack traction control system.[/b]

The OEM tires might not be ideal for the snow... that's why there is a market for snow tires.... I had no issue with my 06 traction control during the last snow storm.

Here is a video of me getting out of the snow. I had no trouble going anywhere I needed to go. I even got out after being burried by the snow plow in Brooklyn, NY. I had to dig out of the snow and thanks to the precise control of the electric motor, I was able to get out. To be honest, with that skinny Integrity tires and automatic transmission, I don't think I will be able to get out.