Not fair! You can't call it one thing then dismiss us from responding But seriously, no semantics... To most of the people out there it makes no difference.Salsa Guy wrote:Also they are not really AWD but 4WD so it won't drive the rear wheels until the front spin.
Please no discussion about SAE calls AWD vs 4WD
I did and I will . And you are kinda sorta right.KITT222 wrote:Not fair! You can't call it one thing then dismiss us from responding But seriously, no semantics... To most of the people out there it makes no difference.Salsa Guy wrote:Also they are not really AWD but 4WD so it won't drive the rear wheels until the front spin.
Please no discussion about what SAE calls AWD vs 4WD
Yep, I will be paying for this car for the next 3 years.kumquat wrote:You can't afford a set of snow tires, but you can afford another car?
No, not tires, hence why I made this post. I got a loan on the car, so basically those thousands of dollars are being spent over 3 years. I can't make payments on a new set of tires, see my problem? I guess I'll go for a sand bag or two in the back. If I still have problems, I'll get chains for bad days.star_deceiver wrote:Tires.... Tires... Tires... Tires.... Tires!!!! Get the proper tires for the task! Why would you spend a couple thousand on a new car when you can get an awesome set of winters for less than $500... Even cheaper if you scour Kijiji or Craigslist!
I have decent all weather tires. I was coasting into a turning lane and then braking. I was able to straighten it out and stop it before it got ugly. I know AWD doesn't help me stop, it helps me go.SeattleJeremy wrote:What tires does the car have, and are they in good condition?
Was it fishtailing when accelerating, when braking, or both?
Where you able to keep the car under control or did it spin out?
Having traction to the rear wheels makes a big difference when accelerating. However, AWD doesn't help you stop.
17s would be fine too if they're mounted on wheels that fit.Morwenna88 wrote:Okay, I'll keep a lookout on craigslist then. I should shop for 205/55/16?
I think the differences you feel are primarily weight. Heavier vehicles bite harder into the snow. It's a significant difference. But real winter tires on a light vehicle tend to kick the crap out of all seasons on a heavier vehicle.Derf wrote:With winter well on the way, this topic sparked my curiosity. I have a 94 Taurus FWD and 2005 FWD Vibe. I have only driven a few winter miles in the Vibe, it handled ok. But I noticed that the Taurus tends to track and "feel" more stable in snow. A few details on the vehicles:
1994 Taurus FWD
Tires, All Season lower spec rated for 30k (softer compound)
Wheel width 68"
Weight 3300 pounds
ABS, mild activation
2005 Vibe FWD
Tires All Season middle upper spec rated for 60k tires (harder compound)
Wheel width 65"
Weight 2700 pounds
ABS average to aggressive activation
2000 GMC Yukon XL RWD
Tires winter truck tires, these are are on the verge of all seasons 70k rated
Wheel width 75"
Weight 5200 pounds
ABS average activation
I think the cheaper tires on the Taurus made the difference. I do not put a lot of miles on year to year, so I have always gone with the lower rated tire. Looking back I figure the softer compound was acting more like a winter tire,increasing the "feel". Also, the Taurus's rear brakes use a load sensing system. It is a mechanical lever that adjusts the rear braking based on the suspension travel of the car. I have not found anything similar on the Vibe. Not sure if the Vibe's ABS computer simply compensates for slipping where in 1994 they found it easier to use a mechanical link into a proportioning valve to help the ABS system. If your brakes are out of adjustment, snow and ice will cause strange things. On the Taurus I had a rear caliper seize up, trip in snow brought it to my attention.
Also I think the wheel width, outer tire edge to outer tire edge makes some difference. An 18 wheeler has a width of about 94" on the outer wheel about 68" on the inner wheel. Since tractor trailers and box trucks apply the most weight they tend to create wear patterns in the road/snow. The Taurus and Yukon track ok, I noticed the Vibe tends to float just a bit on worn roads and tire tracks in heavy snow.
Last Winter I had just gotten the car, so toughed it out with the all season tires that were on it. This year I purchased a set of snow tires. Curious how much the feel of the car changes with the proper rubber on the ground.