Traction experts chime in.

[Falls]

Ok here is the situation

One of the counselors at work has a 07 Kia , it's a small 4dr. ( don't know name ) she asked me last night about her little car not going through the snow at all. I'm under the impression it's front wheel drive. I don't know what tires are on it and have to look , but would imagine they are in line with the type of car.

1. Could lack of traction be thats it's so light of a car ?? Thats what I thought , but then again she had a Ford escort before and said it went through much better.

2. I'm not sure what size and brand of tires they are , but I thought a better all season tire for the front might be a better choice .

She does not have much money since I suggested trading it in on a 4R if she wanted good traction.

Do you think a set of good traction all seasons would help or is it just the car is to light ?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I may just be a matter of education. The Escort never had any type of traction control to my knowledge. Depending on which model Kia it may have traction control (TC). Lack of understanding might be the real "problem". Traction control, like our VSC, will cut the power output dramatically to avoid spinning. If the TC totally sucks see if it has a 'defeat' button and show her how and when to use it.

Maybe the Kia just needs some knarly BFG K/O's for winter:roadkill::lmao:

:cheers:

 

[shuly]

Gaining traction has everything to do with rolling friction between tires and the road surface. Stability control and traction control just prevent slippage and loss of control of the vehicle. If the vehicle isn't happy in the snow, might I suggest a different tire. Also remember to check air pressure; the size of the tire patch will vary depending on the pressure. As far as the weight of the vehicle, I doubt that has much to do with it (unless you are in 2 feet of snow.) I had an older car and weighed much less and still had good traction. The weight of the vehicle only applies downward force and helps to crush the snow/ice beneath the wheel (it also slightly increases the tire patch size.) This can help with traction, but I doubt has anything to do with the real problem.

What tire is on the vehicle now? How old are they (mileage/tread)?

Of course the bestest solution is to get rid of the KIA and buy a 4WD 4runner!!! hehe

 

[Falls]

I will have to take a look at her tires and the car to see if it has traction control or anything. Its about a year old , few thousand miles on it.

Just trying to help her out.

 

[Kmvreter]

Simple equation: snow = tires as the major contributor for traction. Just look at the Doneflops for plenty of evidence of this around this board. The weight of the vehicle or the amount of Hp or Torque (high or low) just don't matter if you can't get the tires to stick to the road.

 

[Falls]

Simple equation: snow = tires as the major contributor for traction. Just look at the Doneflops for plenty of evidence of this around this board. The weight of the vehicle or the amount of Hp or Torque (high or low) just don't matter if you can't get the tires to stick to the road.

Yes , good point . I'll see what tires she has .

 

[MikesToy]

Maybe her Ford Escort tires are underflated and that makes it have more traction.