Horrible traction/handling in rain/snow ... Tires ?

Hello all, being that winter is here (in Wisconsin) I am trying to figure out why my 4runner so dangerously loses control in slippery conditions. The tire size is 265/70/16 (so they are a taller tire), than stock anyways (have good tread) I lost control and almost got in a serious crash just getting on to an on ramp. Should I try some different tires ? Locally someone is selling some 225/70/16, which is very close to the stock I believe. Would this give me better control/stance possibly ? Appreciate any help/input, as I am scared now that its snowing. Thank you

 

Champy, hello from Wisconsin! (small world).

Not sure why you're having difficulties with the 4runner on slippery roads (other than they're slippery), but a new set of all-season tires, or maybe even a set of dedicated snow tires (with softer, grippy rubber) would almost certainly make a positive difference.

I am coming from a Rav4, and a new owner of a 4runner (used 2010 Limited). For whatever reason, the Rav4 was the worst handling vehicle I've ever driven on icy roads. Scared to drive it in hazardous conditions, so I understand where you're coming from. I think it may have been because it was a relatively light vehicle with gobs of power (3.5 V6, 0-60 in 6.3). The winter handling was one of the primary reasons I wanted to get rid of the Rav and go with a heavier vehicle. When I drove it on ice or slippery roads, it would constantly spin the tires and lose traction, and then start drifting sideways (on the highway).

I have had 2 occasions to drive the 4Runner on Icy roads since owning it, and have been happy with traction in both instances (at least compared to the Rav4). I put the 4Runner into 4high when I was on glare ice going over bridges and overpasses. The tires were new on both, so I can say that it handles much better than the Rav.

Just curious: if you were driving something else, do you think you would have had better handling, or ended up in the ditch?

 

Hi Ace! and thank you for the reply! I forgot to mention (will edit post)..... But I have the 2wd Sr5 . And I just don't get whats going on.. I had 5 or 6 really scary occurrences so far. Most if not all happened when road was wet/slippery. Once just simply going around a corner and it violently fishtailed, and as I mentioned once getting onto an on ramp where I completely spun 180 and was facing oncoming traffic. If the traffic was closer I likely would not be speaking to you. Scared the HELL out of me. And I wasn't being crazy or whipping it around, just trying to get up to speed as I typically would. Other times just coming around a corner.. and also the traction "indicator" or whatever it is beeps (as if to tell me its lost control ?) I know the tires are taller than the stock ones. When I bought it there was edge wear on the front tires so i rotated those to the back (so the rears on not perfectly round), but was just trying to evenly distribute the wear I guess. And yes I absolutely think I would have had better handling in anything else I have ever driven. It's downright scary! I get a slight wobble going beyond 70mph, but assume that is balancing/tires. Also just like yesterday in the snow I heard the "beep" and swerved out of my lane and jerking a bit.. just with minimal snow on the road. I'm scared to drive this thing in any kind of moisture ! Well, when I do ..I do VERY carefully. Not sure if its the tire size.. or ? it was in a slight accident, but doesn't seem to out of balance. Thanks again Ace ! .. gotta figure this out asap ! Cheers !

 

New all-season tires or Snow Tires wouldn't hurt! You can even ride Snow Tires year-round, but they will wear out quicker on dry pavement.

Rear wheel drive only, hmmm... are you putting a bunch of weight back there? Like 4-5+ bags of salt or something? I would treat it like a pick-up truck (which I've had several). Lots of weight in the back.

 

Dedicated winter tires have a softer composition that won’t freeze and harden up when it gets cold outside. My experience is that they are best below 45 degrees. While ice is always slippery, winter tires will stay soft and maintain grip much better. They also have a more snow appropriate tread typically. Mostly it’s the rubber chemistry that provides traction, though. It is expensive to buy a set of tires just for winter. But in Wisconsin that might mean half of the year, and then, if you swap them about every 5 - 6 months, both sets of tires will last twice as long. Might be worth considering, especially since your 4Runner is 2WD. I had the Michelin X-Ice and they were great. Good luck.

 

Thanks Ace , yeah I am seriously considering getting some snow tires. And thank you Rsimi, good input. However I am still kind of at a loss as to whats going on and/or if the tires are the culprit. I know for sure it's not the cold as just a little rain and a slight hard turn and it whips out of control. Perhaps i'm understating my "hard turns" .. but I have never had these kind of control issues. Wondering if the axle got bent in accident? or I am seriously just not used to a vehicle with the higher than average stance/tires.. or ? I had an S10.. and that thing would fishtail in the snow.. but not just whip out of control like this. Considering getting a little honda or something to commute to work in (120 miles daily) .. would surely save on gas also ! but the staying alive factor even trumps that. Tks guys !

 

Good luck tracking it down. Stay safe.

 

4 Wheel drive and snow tires can save your life.

 

This is your problem. Driving a 2wd vehicle as you typically would in less than ideal conditions is your problem. You need to smooth your throttle input especially when turning and know how to correct a spin without overcorrecting. Overcorrecting causes more problems than you could believe.

It sounds like you should get some snow tires with studs at least or look into getting a 4wd 4runner if you need to drive a lot on snow and icy roads.

 

Hi Mario,

As someone who worked in the tire industry and is from Buffalo NY, I can tell you that winter tires are one of the best purchases you can make for your vehicle. On every vehicle, the traction is coming from 4 patches about 4 by 6 inches wide...not very much. Therefore maximizing this traction is extremely important. The softer rubber compound paired with additional siping equals much more traction. Your 2wd 4runner with winter tires would stop much faster than a 4wd 4runner with all seasons. While a 2wd vehicle will never accelerate faster than a 4x4, you will notice much better performance with winter tires and some weight in the back. Winter tire are also a good investment because they basically cut the wear on your current tires by half. I consider a good set of winter tires to be the deductible on my insurance policy.

Good luck,
Charlie

 

Sort of same question/thought. My 04' 2WD SR5 is awful on any slick surface. Whether it be trying to start on a slight incline on a wet road or any type of ice/snow. Back wheels spin and a repetitive du-du-du-du sound in the dash. My tires are one step below mudding tires (I'm a woman so forgive my lack of terminology accuracy) and in the winter I try to weigh down the back just in case. Feel like I've covered all of the things I could do, but I just wonder why in the hell would any SUV be made rear wheel drive when all of the weight is up front? Seems absolutely stupid.

 

With rear wheel drive only, it's absolutely imperative to have a good tire on snow/wet roads.

The Michelin Defenders are a great all season tire. Lots of siping which will help you considerably.

Post a pic of your rear tire treads. We'll tell you if that's definitely the problem.