Really frustrated with snow traction...

[klennop]

My understanding was ATRAC works best under 3K. However if it can't find traction then I press the gas pedal past 3000-3500 rpms, ATRAC becomes less intrusive to allow some wheel spin. If you don't apply enough gas, then ATRAC does not work well. In order for ATRAC to work there must be wheel spin. This also will hopefully bridge the gap between a wheel with traction and no traction.

For me though there are times where this just doesn't work. That is where you start experimenting, which is what I do and it works for me.

 

[colombo]

Just my 2c.
I used to drive my 4R with all season tires in winter. It sucks. Now I have Blizzak for winter. My 4R is a TANK through ANY DEEP snow or ice. No matter what. The only problem I have on the road-other vehicles move TOO SLOW.

 

[IOP25]

Educate yourself:

Winter tires stick better to the snow - Winter Tires vs. All-Seasons - autoevolution

The Snow Tire FAQ Forums - I'm a snow tire newbie. Proper use of snow tires?

"...Snow sticks to itself very well. A good snow tire can use this concept to our advantage. The idea is to have a tire that holds some snow in the voids, but still self cleans a little bit. The snow that stays stuck in the voids and sipes will help the tire stick to the snow on the ground."

But still self cleans a little bit. Guess you missed that.

 

[IOP25]

If you regularly encounter ice, unplowed snow, or slush, then you're going to need winter tires (also known as “snow tires"). Winter tires will give you that extra traction, braking and handling you'll need to confidently drive on snow and ice. They have specialized rubber compounds and tread designs to handle the cold temperatures. The tread remains flexible to prevent snow buildup and help with traction on ice.


All Season tires are not designed to be optimal in one specific weather condition. They are meant to be adequate in all weather. To be able to handle different types of weather, compromises have to be made. The tread design of an all season tire is not as aggressive as that of a winter tire and is also not as flexible in the cold. An all season tire's tread will quickly get packed with snow and you lose traction.

The Complete Winter Tires Guide