Prius tire chains for snow any updates?

problemchild,

The "tire traction device" you refer to isn't a stand-alone, add-on option that you can take away or add on or turn off or on. It is simply Toyota's version of traction control that's built into the PSD (transmission) to protect the internal parts from over-spinning & ruining your $9,000 transmission. The traction control does NOT turn off your engine, but instead cuts power (through the transmission) to the wheels so that they don't spin again making you lose traction worse (which could cause some serious results). It makes the wheels turn unbearably slowly which should allow you to regain the traction you originally lost.

There were more problems with the '04's & '05's since the traction control was apparently programmed to be very aggressive in stopping the wheel spin. Toyota is supposed to have re-programmed the traction control to be less aggressive since the 2006 model, so with your 2008 Prius you shouldn't have as much of a problem as those early posters in that 2005 thread. If you're still afraid or you do have problems of your own in this regard, then I suggest you change to a better all-season tire (or snows or studded, if you must), but you will lose some MPG by doing this.

Ken (in Bolton,Ct)

 

If you're able to get a little traction with your tires, carefully two-footing with slight brake pressure will keep the tires from breaking traction too quickly to kill the engine (engine will be used for torque to overcome the brakes).
This worked for me on some steep gravel hills in the mountains last spring.

Of course, dont do this for too long or you'll heat the main mg significantly. (ok for a min or so)

 

Anybody tried out the AutoSock? It looks sort of promising.

-Chap

 

I've gone the regular tire chains route and had good success with them, other than the pain of installing them. Back in that day, I was also looking at Go-Claws, but then the snow melted. They tout quick installation and removal.
This year, I'm going the winter tire route with X-Ice2, which will be my first ever set of winter tires. They should rock.

EDIT: I also considered the Autosock, but I decided I didn't want something that looked like packing material for shipping.

 

But maybe you could use them as packing material while carrying them around in the back when not in use. Try that with a set of chains....

-Chap

 

What does the owners manual say about chains? I got the Compact Grip by RUD. There is a movie on installing them at tirechaindealer.com. I have to say, they are very easy to put on.

 

Here is a prius chat about Spikes Spider and similar products:
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-m...sed-spider-spikes-their-prius.html#post764201

 

If you are a member of ConsumerReports.org you can read that they found it does work but it is a pain to put on and is not durable.
Snow test: Winter tire traction aids: Consumer Reports Cars Blog