Winter driving tips? (ON-road)

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tnlandcruiser

tnlandcruiser

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Oct 7, 2010
Threads
6
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59
So here's the deal... This is my first 4wd vehicle, and I'm wondering what to expect once the roads get a bit of snow and ice. I've driven RWD-rear engine, RWD-Front engine, and good ol Front wheel drive. I know what to expect and how to react in those... What I haven't driven is a 4wd on snow or ice - not to mention I'm still a bit confused about how the 2000 TLC 4wd works. I know it's not a "hard" 4wd like a pickup truck that goes from 2wd to 4x4, but I don't think it's quite the "soft" AWD of a Subaru either. I've also read on the forums a lot about how the VSC can freak you out the first time you encounter it... I'd rather than not happen on the steep, curvy hills around my house. So..... Tips, thoughts, recommendation on chains?
 
make sure you can stop. best way to learn the way vsc handles is go to a snowy parking lot. Each time I've changed tire types I've gone check the handling in a lot.
 
The biggest surprise for me was the truck starting to signal oversteer (rear sliding), then VSC preventing oversteer. I was preparing to "drive through" oversteer, but it didn't happen.
 
1loudLX said:
make sure you can stop. best way to learn the way vsc handles is go to a snowy parking lot. Each time I've changed tire types I've gone check the handling in a lot.
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-exactly that.
-the lc will take good care of you as long as you have enough stopping distance. the biggest adjustment for me was the wieght. vsc is very good but it is a larger vehicle than what it feels like.
 
Heavy truck, high center of gravity, good abs system... braking, as mentioned, will be the biggest lesson, followed by cornering.

As with any vehicle, when unsure while driving in snow and ice, only do one at a time:

  • Throttle
  • Steering
  • Braking

Once you know your vehicle, then find some open area to start playing. However, no matter how comfortable you are in it, if conditions deteriorate then default to the single input rule above.
 
If you are trying to GO on ice, try the 2nd start, as it really helps keep traction, especially on slopes. I like that little button!
 
NMuzj100 said:
With the 100 you have increased GO but the same STOP as compared to other vehicles.
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When I lived in CO for a few years I saw more SUVs flipped/wrecked on the snowy mountain roads than I did normal cars.

Why? My guess is over-confidence from the fact that they were in a big SUV and thought that they could drive more aggressively than those around them. What NM says is also very true - your LC can out-accelerate normal cars on snow and ice but it cannot stop any faster. Your best bet is to drive conservatively.
 
BigBlue99 said:
When I lived in CO for a few years I saw more SUVs flipped/wrecked on the snowy mountain roads than I did normal cars.

Why? My guess is over-confidence from the fact that they were in a big SUV and thought that they could drive more aggressively than those around them. What NM says is also very true - your LC can out-accelerate normal cars on snow and ice but it cannot stop any faster. Your best bet is to drive conservatively.
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How true :)
SUV's and pickups

Also, tires make a HUGE difference.
If you think you will be doing a lot of snow/ice driving, get a set of dedicated snow tires like Bridgestone Blizzaks

All-terrain/all-season tires just don't cut it in adverse conditions

Unless you are in some really extreme conditions, I would recommend dedicated snow tires over chains.
Chains are a PITA and they tend to get hung-up on suspension components.
 
Like every one else said, get used to how VSC operates and learn to work with the system. If you dont know how it works/feels and it kicks in, you could end up making things worse.

On a related note, does the 100 have EBD? So far I think it does......atleast my experiences thus far indicate that, but I am not sure.

EDIT: It does have EBD on 2000+ IDK about 98-99 since those dont have VSC
 
71FJ40 said:
How true :)
...Also, tires make a HUGE difference.
If you think you will be doing a lot of snow/ice driving, get a set of dedicated snow tires like Bridgestone Blizzaks

All-terrain/all-season tires just don't cut it in adverse conditions
Click to expand...

I have to agree. The PO had two sets of tires when we purchased it. One was a set of Blizzaks and there was no comparison.

The LC could be driven much more aggressively in the snow than without.

Just not sure though we're going to use them anymore after the OME lift.
 
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Not sure where you live, but if dedicated winter tires won't work for your climate (like me in New Mexico) check out the Michelin LTX MS2. Excellent all season tire that has the best traction on snow and ice of any tire outside a dedicated snow tire. http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/name/ltx-m-s2-tires

It's not an AT or Mud tire so it's not awesome off-road, but it does stick better in the snow better than an AT tire. Check out Tirerack and Consumer reports. Consumer Reports said it was the only tire in the All season and All Terain categories that got an "excellent" for snow traction and a "very good" for ice traction, only dedicated snow tires got better test results.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HAS
 
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It is pretty much point and shoot in the snow, but like all the others said, it depends on the tires and how much room you leave to stop or maneuver. I have found that the center diff lock is helpful in fully snow covered conditions, making the truck more 4x4 like a pickup. It balances power more effectively than letting the computer throw it all to one corner, for example.

But the best thing you can do is find a big parking lot where you can get to speed and play.
 
Skinny pedal. Lots of it.



Seriously though, I hate ABS, always have. It seems like the 100's ABS is very sensitive and takes longer to stop that other vehicles I've had with ABS. Every winter I take the wife to a snowed in parking lot and let her practice so she remembers the distance.
 
for me I have been impressed with the stopping ability of my 98.. I come from the Subaru platform and even with the size of this thing it felt good on the icy country roads I live on.. although once she does lock up and slide.. woohoo.. takes your breath for a second.. hahah
 
Reviving this thread... Does anyone have suggestions for using center diff lock, overdrive, power/ect, 2nd gear start during winter conditions (icy patches/snow covered pved roads) using studded snow tires (nokian hakkapelitta 8 suv)? safe speed on straight road? Other ideas?
 
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