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2002 Prius in the winter?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by primuspaul, Jun 29, 2014.

  1. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
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    I
    How do I deal with the snow during the winter? I was thinking of buying 2 studded general tires, mounted and balanced on 2 aluminum rims, and just putting them on the front the day before really bad weather during the winter. Should be no harder than putting on a spare, correct?

    Would the studs make it close to as good as an SUV during the winter?
     
    #1 primuspaul, Jun 29, 2014
  2. Squirt

    Squirt Member

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    Get a matched set of 4 winter tires, and you'll be set. AWD is ideal, but any FWD car with a good set of winter tires will be pretty solid. Is there a tradeoff for efficiency? Sure, buy that's what you get for living where it snows!

    SPH-L300 ?
     
    #2 Squirt, Jun 30, 2014
  3. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    4 is a bit too expensive. What's the point for a front wheel drive car?
     
    #3 primuspaul, Jul 1, 2014
  4. Squirt

    Squirt Member

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    Rear traction is actually more important while driving. That's what keeps you from oversteering and spinning out into the ditch. I thought the cost was easily justified by the safety and stability when I lived in a cold climate, had winter wheels/tires for all our cars. Watch craigslist for a used set, shouldn't be too pricey. Studded tires are great if they're legal where you live, but half the traction only does half the job.

    SPH-L300 ?
     
    #4 Squirt, Jul 1, 2014
  5. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    I no longer have it, but I was lucky to get my 2002 prius out of the driveway with 3+inches of snow due to the traction control being so sensitive. Now with my 2008, 6inches of snow? no problem. Same factory tires that came on the 2002.
     
    #5 NinnJinn, Jul 15, 2014
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