East Coast Blizzard makes me wonder

[tojomatic]

I'm here in the DC area and we got slapped with about 12 inches of snow. My 2002 LC goes forward just fine but I almost got t-boned by a snow plow because it wouldn't stop at the intersection. Was I speeding? No way doing about 10 to 15 mph tops. Braked as normal and the abs kicks in allowing a stopping distance 4 times longer than normal. Somehow it stopped before going into the path of the plow. Was gonna be ugly...for my truck that is. All the way to the office, (yes i work weekends), I had huge stopping issues to the point I was happy to finally hit the highway. Is this normal for this buck in snow? This is my first time I had a LC for the winter season, but having lived in Anchorage AK for 6 years I know how to drive in snow. In fact it brakes worse than my Crown Victoria in the snow. Thought I'd share my experience today...not comforting to say the least....oh, I also got stuck in the garage entrance when the gate wouldn't go up. I had to back up to go to another exit and kept losing traction trying to back up. No, I was not gunning it and I did try engaging the VSC to assist but to no avail. Tires causing all this???Goodyear Foteras...no idea..Maybe I'll go back to a Honda Pilot Anyhow if you read this far....

Toj

 

[Steph23]

Toj...I can't attest to the stopability of this beast yet (bought it in June), since we haven't had any snow down here in VA Beach yet, but I AM curious about those tires you have (I was thinking about getting them). Are they the Fortera HLs or the Silent Armors? I'm wondering if one is better than the other in snow/ice/rain.

 

[tojomatic]

Steph,

They're the Silent Armours and they are about 2100 miles old. I'm wondering if I should get another brand of tire because that sinking feeliing I had when I saw that plow coming and the truck still going was not good

 

[Steph23]

That's not good. Those are the ones I was looking at. I guess I shouldn't be as concerned about snow/ice as you are. We rarely get any down here, but I like to have ALL my bases covered, in case we get some. I'm not trying to change the subject, but are you happy with the ride of them? Also, I think that is strange that you weren't getting any traction at the gate (especially with this vehicle).

 

[Gene3x]

That's not good. Those are the ones I was looking at. I guess I shouldn't be as concerned about snow/ice as you are. We rarely get any down here, but I like to have ALL my bases covered, in case we get some. I'm not trying to change the subject, but are you happy with the ride of them? Also, I think that is strange that you weren't getting any traction at the gate (especially with this vehicle).

Yea.... something doesn't add up there. 10mph?

 

[tojomatic]

Steph,

Other than that the're a decent ride. Very quiet. Does Va beach every get snow? Don't recall you guys ever really getting pounded down there........Gene , no kidding 10 to 15 mph slight decline , but nothing that would contribute to the extended stopping distance. Like skating on ice...dunno . I was looking at where I got stuck at the garage and it was icy on the slope ....that would make sense, but the on road slipping /abs triggering was sombering on road. Oh well, now I know how she stops in the deep stuff so I'll just compensate next time.

Toj

 

[Steph23]

We don't usually get very much, if any...A couple years back, we got a decent amount (4-6 inches). I had my 4Runner on 33s then and it handled/stopped great. Like Gen said, it doesn't add up why you were sliding in this rig, though. Even though I have no personal experience, I've been given the impression (mostly on this board) that this truck is as surefooted as a mountain goat.
If you decide to get rid of those tires, give me a shout. I might take them off your hands...just as long as I stay away from the snow plow trucks and icy garage entrances.

 

[mainecruiser]

I have driven in snow and ice many times with my LC without a problem. At 10-15 mph seems like you should be able to stop without the ABS kicking in (unless you are braking very hard every time). I would think the new tires would help with traction unless they are over inflated. Check the tire pressure and see if that might help!

 

[tojomatic]

Tire P

Good Idea Maine. I'll do that as soon as I get a chance.


Toj

 

[calamaridog]

Too many variables here. Don't know anything about those tires, what pressure are you running, and what is the road surface like under the snow?

I've tried to stop on a layer of ice covered with snow. Not fun. Did it rain before the snow storm?

 

[tojomatic]

Cala,

That is funny that you mention that because it did rain for about 5 hours before going all snow....Snow it did indeed! I've driven offroad on road in Anchorage where snow means snow covered until the Spring thaw in April/May. This morning's experience was "eery". Honestly I was pissed. Real pissed. dunno guys...what to say...I just love the way it rides etc. I'm not gonna let this one day get to me. I was hoping someone had the same experience and maybe some members in the Blizzard's track will also report similar experiences. As the the pressue of the tire, I'll have to check when I get home. I doubt that would have caused the slipping and abs triggering. Like I said My Crown Vic has far superior stopping on ice and snow (at least for my current experiences) than the truck.....Uggg

 

[spressomon]

I would suspect the tire #1. #2 the LC weighs a whole lot more than your Pilot or Crown Vic. #3 What pressure are you running? Last year when we got dumped on I found tire pressure made a big difference with respect to snow/ice/deep snow traction.

 

[yahtzee]

We don't usually get very much, if any...A couple years back, we got a decent amount (4-6 inches). I had my 4Runner on 33s then and it handled/stopped great. Like Gen said, it doesn't add up why you were sliding in this rig, though. Even though I have no personal experience, I've been given the impression (mostly on this board) that this truck is as surefooted as a mountain goat.
If you decide to get rid of those tires, give me a shout. I might take them off your hands...just as long as I stay away from the snow plow trucks and icy garage entrances.

Small world. just moved to Glen Allen (Richmond) from Va Beach last month. I remember getting over-excited for snow in va beach as it was somewhat of a rarity. Originally from Roanoke so im used to the snow and actually went out this morning searching for something to challenge me. Nothing more than rainy looking streets here today (for the most part).

 

[DMX84]

What is the lowest speed ABS will work on a LC, 7MPH?

I bet money it’s the tires. I know here in New Mexico, if get new tires for winter they to great. In the summer time they to great, winter rolls around again and the tires suck.
I know it partly because I put about 30k a year but my other theory is they dry out due to the climate here. Hard rubber just wont cut it IMO.
This is true for the Bridgestone Dueler AT’s they did the same thing.
I was seriously contemplating getting a set of the “REVO” version of the above tire, as they are supposed to have a softer compound lower in the tread, so as they wear it still maintains traction.

But after looking, comparing and all the other contemplating, I ended up going with Michelin LTX M&S for DD use. I yet to try them in snow as we had 0 inches.
DMX

 

[ace10]

this was a seriously messy storm. it rained all afternoon yesterday then snowed like crazy afterward. you can't ask for worse driving conditions. plus you've got m&s tires on a three ton vehicle. suck it up and get some real winter tires if you "need" to be on the road after a storm. i prefer the nokians on our 100 as compared to the pirelli's on our 80.

 

[yahtzee]

this was a seriously messy storm. it rained all afternoon yesterday then snowed like crazy afterward. you can't ask for worse driving conditions. plus you've got m&s tires on a three ton vehicle. suck it up and get some real winter tires if you "need" to be on the road after a storm. i prefer the nokians on our 100 as compared to the pirelli's on our 80.

Dueler A/T Revo's are awesome tires. I replaced a perfectly good set of stock tires with the Revo's on a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it was a world of difference. Better ride better traction better stopping.

 

[sethos1]

I have to agree with yahtzee. the revos are far superior. Drove the 100 on stock tires on icy roads in oregon. Felt kinda slippy and unshure. Next month put a set of revos on. Spent a week up in the Mammoth area, snow and rain every day. Really bad roads, and the revos made driving in those conditions a dream.

 

[tojomatic]

Cool.....will look into Revos. On Tire Rack does the "surveys" mean anything? You know the green bar red bar thing. Just wondering

Toj

 

[hoser]

Consider the Nitto Terra Grappler. The 11/05 issue of Consumer Reports tests the Revo against the NTG (if their ratings mean anything to you--sometimes they are off).
The Revo rated better in braking (on-road), cornering and hydroplaning. The NTG rated better snow traction, ice braking and overall comfort. The NTG rated best overall. Both tires rated very poorly in terms of "rolling resistance."

The Nitto TG is also cheaper. I was happy with my REVO's but would try the NTG's next time (if I wanted an AT tire).

 

[OGBeno]

You could try the 'illegal' route (not technically, though your insurance co. will not like you), and disable ABS (just pull the fuse).

During the winter months, I drive without ABS to give me a more exact feel on the brake pedal. The feel of the response directly correlates with the conditions your are dealing with thus giving you accurate response information. ABS 'takes over' so to speak, which is how I understand ABS systems, and which is what I do not like about ABS sytems. Though much research has shown that ABS works real well for 99% of people, most people don't know how to use ABS correctly (which is not what I am insinuating in your situation, esp. since you lived in AK).

I don't want my truck taking over at all--I want full control.