Prius in snow? Anyone?

Is the car good in the snow? I'm going to go soon and get one if the
answer is yes.

There have been numerous complaints about the traction control system's behavior in snow, but quite often the problem is either the stock tires or steep inclines, which will give most smaller FWD cars a problem. The traction control system is not an option; it is part of the hybrid system because it is needed to prevent damage to the electric motor from over-revving.

Oddly, we haven't had significant snow in the two winters I've had my Prius,
so I can't offer any first-hand experience. I did change to better tires,
and I noticed a difference in general handling, cornering and wet
traction--but often the mileage suffers a little bit with better tires. I
think it is generally accepted that the stock tires (Goodyear Integrity) are
not very good.

If you get lots of snow where you live, it's not clear that the Prius would
be the best choice. That's strictly my opinion based on what I've read here
and on PriusChat.com, not from experience. If you haven't already visited
PriusChat, I recommend it for more research on this topic.

- Doug

Is the car good in the snow? I'm going to go soon and get one if the
answer is yes.

Driving in the snow is our one complaint on the Prius. My conclusion is
that the tires suck in the snow. I look forward to wearing them out and
getting better tires, and I am sure that I will agonize over the decision on
what tire to buy.

Tomes

Driving in the snow is our one complaint on the Prius. My conclusion is
that the tires suck in the snow. I look forward to wearing them out and
getting better tires, and I am sure that I will agonize over the decision on
what tire to buy.

If you are buying "all season" with the intent of keeping the same tire
on the car year-round, there is no choice: Nokian WR.

Otherwise, get dedicated winter tires on all four corners and take the
time to switch them on and off each winter. You'll be very pleased and
surprised at the performance.

Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:

Otherwise, get dedicated winter tires on all four corners and take the
time to switch them on and off each winter. You'll be very pleased and
surprised at the performance.

This is perfect advice for anyone driving virtually any
car in a 4-season environment.

Is the car good in the snow? I'm going to go soon and get one if the
answer is yes.

Driving in the snow is our one complaint on the Prius. My conclusion is that the tires suck in the snow. I look forward to wearing them out and getting better tires, and I am sure that I will agonize over the decision on what tire to buy.

Last Fall, we swapped on four Bridgestone Blizzaks just before winter, which
was quite snowy here in New England. The Prius stuck to the road like it
was driving on suction cups. We got the Blizzaks, mounted and balanced on
nice Rial aluminum wheels, for about $150/each from TireRack.

--
-RL

Is the car good in the snow? I'm going to go soon and get one if the
answer is yes.

I've driven in blizzard-like conditions in my Prius. The Prius handles remarkably well in the winter if you drive with safety in mind.

I find that with the traction control, I can cruise on snowy highways
in the left lane quite comfortably, and switch lanes over icy bumps
with out feeling insecure. Next year I will put on snows and I am
sure it will be even better.

Is the car good in the snow? I'm going to go soon and get one if the
answer is yes.

I don't have a Prius yet... we're doing lots of research and waiting
for the third generation. That said, I've always been an advocate of
winter tires. As far as I'm concerned, "all season tires" is just
another way to say "summer tires." I had the opportunity to a number
of winters ago to test different kinds of winter tires on the same
vehicle. I had a car with winter studded tires on, and in February of
that year my wife bought the same car. Studded tires were no longer
available as it was late in the season and dealers were getting there
summer stock in. So we ended up getting Pirelli ice tires. I was
absolutely floored to see how much better her car with the ice tires
was in snow and ice and on hills than my own. Prior to that I thought
nothing could be better than studs. It seemed like having metal spikes
sticking out of your tires, digging into whatever you were driving on
would be about as secure as you be. I really could not believe the
amazing performance of the ice tires.

I agree with many of the other posts, in particular that good driving
habits make for better, safer driving in snow. But, at the same time,
I would encourage anyone who lives in a snowy climate to invest in a
good set of ice/snow tires. There is simply no comparing these to all
season tires.

When I do finally get my Prius, the first add-on I buy will be a good
set of ice tires.

Hope this helps.

As far as I'm concerned, "all season tires" is just another way to say "summer tires."

That's certainly NOT the case with Nokian WR. Check it out.