New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away

"Cathy F." <clfr.RemoveThis@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
news:INednWXjCbWhWFrYnZ2dnUVZ_ruknZ2d@giganews.com...
> "Bud H" <budh.RemoveThis@SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and traction
>>control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With the zero
>>degree temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out earlier this
>>afternoon and I was slipping all over the place in the packed snow - the
>>traction control (spinning tires) symbol was coming on frequently -- I
>>had to concentrate on stepping VERY gently on the accelerator to avoid
>>the tire spin.
>
> Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops in
> 2nd gear.
>

How does this help? I am under the understanding that putting it into 2nd
only limits it from going to 3rd, not force it to start in 2nd. I do not
believe that it bypasses first gear by doing this, and thus it makes no
difference in starting out.

I also would guess that the tires are to blame, agreeing with Cathy's
reasoning on that below. I usually can't wait to get a set of Michelins
(usually the X-Radial at BJ's) on as soon as I can. That all season tire
is pretty darn good in the snow.
Tomes


>> In my Highlander SUV with tires that have been on that vehicle for over
>> 50,000 miles, I had no trouble at all.
>>
>> It was hard to tell if this problem was due to the Matrix. or if it was
>> because the tires that came with the car are bad in the snow.
>>
>> Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the
>> car? Or the stock tires that came with it?
>
> Considering that I *hate* the tires that come on Corollas (they are
> horrible in snow & not all that great re: holding curves on dry roads,
> either), & considering that the Matrix is basically a Corolla in
> different clothing, and therefore assuming that the tires that come on
> the Matrix are the same that Corollas are shipped with, I'm guessing
> it's... the tires. I always switch to tires rated for better snow
> traction as soon as I can after the purchase of each new Corolla.
>
> Cathy
>
>
>>
>> Bud H
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"Tomes" <askme.TakeThisOut@here.net> wrote in message
news:sYRxh.21211$w91.15533@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> "Cathy F." <clfr.TakeThisOut@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
> news:INednWXjCbWhWFrYnZ2dnUVZ_ruknZ2d@giganews.com...
>> "Bud H" <budh.TakeThisOut@SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
>> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>>>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and traction
>>>control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With the zero
>>>degree temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out earlier this
>>>afternoon and I was slipping all over the place in the packed snow - the
>>>traction control (spinning tires) symbol was coming on frequently -- I
>>>had to concentrate on stepping VERY gently on the accelerator to avoid
>>>the tire spin.
>>
>> Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops in
>> 2nd gear.
>>
>
> How does this help? I am under the understanding that putting it into 2nd
> only limits it from going to 3rd, not force it to start in 2nd. I do not
> believe that it bypasses first gear by doing this, and thus it makes no
> difference in starting out.

Don't ask me for the science/physics behind it; I can't. I just know that
instead of trying to start up from the dead stop in D/3rd at a very slippery
intersection, that it works considerably better if I shift down to 2nd.
(Whereas when I drove a standard, instead of staring in 1st, I'd shift up to
second so there wasn't quite so much torque. Sounds like the two practices
are at odds w/each other, but... worked/s.)

Cathy


>
> I also would guess that the tires are to blame, agreeing with Cathy's
> reasoning on that below. I usually can't wait to get a set of Michelins
> (usually the X-Radial at BJ's) on as soon as I can. That all season tire
> is pretty darn good in the snow.
> Tomes
>
>
>>> In my Highlander SUV with tires that have been on that vehicle for over
>>> 50,000 miles, I had no trouble at all.
>>>
>>> It was hard to tell if this problem was due to the Matrix. or if it was
>>> because the tires that came with the car are bad in the snow.
>>>
>>> Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the
>>> car? Or the stock tires that came with it?
>>
>> Considering that I *hate* the tires that come on Corollas (they are
>> horrible in snow & not all that great re: holding curves on dry roads,
>> either), & considering that the Matrix is basically a Corolla in
>> different clothing, and therefore assuming that the tires that come on
>> the Matrix are the same that Corollas are shipped with, I'm guessing
>> it's... the tires. I always switch to tires rated for better snow
>> traction as soon as I can after the purchase of each new Corolla.
>>
>> Cathy
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Bud H
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"Cathy F." <clfr.TakeThisOut@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
news:H-adnWfWdcLLcFrYnZ2dnUVZ_tqnnZ2d@giganews.com...
>
> "Tomes" <askme.TakeThisOut@here.net> wrote in message
> news:sYRxh.21211$w91.15533@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>> "Cathy F." <clfr.TakeThisOut@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
>> news:INednWXjCbWhWFrYnZ2dnUVZ_ruknZ2d@giganews.com...
>>> "Bud H" <budh.TakeThisOut@SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
>>> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>>>>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and traction
>>>>control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With the zero
>>>>degree temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out earlier this
>>>>afternoon and I was slipping all over the place in the packed snow - the
>>>>traction control (spinning tires) symbol was coming on frequently -- I
>>>>had to concentrate on stepping VERY gently on the accelerator to avoid
>>>>the tire spin.
>>>
>>> Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops in
>>> 2nd gear.
>>>
>>
>> How does this help? I am under the understanding that putting it into
>> 2nd only limits it from going to 3rd, not force it to start in 2nd. I do
>> not believe that it bypasses first gear by doing this, and thus it makes
>> no difference in starting out.
>
> Don't ask me for the science/physics behind it; I can't. I just know that
> instead of trying to start up from the dead stop in D/3rd at a very
> slippery intersection, that it works considerably better if I shift down
> to 2nd. (Whereas when I drove a standard, instead of staring in 1st, I'd
> shift up to second so there wasn't quite so much torque. Sounds like the
> two practices are at odds w/each other, but... worked/s.)
>
> Cathy
>
>
>>
>> I also would guess that the tires are to blame, agreeing with Cathy's
>> reasoning on that below. I usually can't wait to get a set of Michelins
>> (usually the X-Radial at BJ's) on as soon as I can. That all season tire
>> is pretty darn good in the snow.
>> Tomes
>>
>>
>>>> In my Highlander SUV with tires that have been on that vehicle for over
>>>> 50,000 miles, I had no trouble at all.
>>>>
>>>> It was hard to tell if this problem was due to the Matrix. or if it was
>>>> because the tires that came with the car are bad in the snow.
>>>>
>>>> Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the
>>>> car? Or the stock tires that came with it?
>>>
>>> Considering that I *hate* the tires that come on Corollas (they are
>>> horrible in snow & not all that great re: holding curves on dry roads,
>>> either), & considering that the Matrix is basically a Corolla in
>>> different clothing, and therefore assuming that the tires that come on
>>> the Matrix are the same that Corollas are shipped with, I'm guessing
>>> it's... the tires. I always switch to tires rated for better snow
>>> traction as soon as I can after the purchase of each new Corolla.
>>>
>>> Cathy
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Bud H

It depends on the car. In some, '2' will start in '1' and never shift
beyond '2'. In others, '2' puts you in '2' and keeps you there. Our Fords
were like that. In those cases, using '2' reduced torque at the wheels and
helped to prevent wheelspin on takeoff.

I think Toyotas work this way but I'm not sure. Check your owner's manual
for certain guidance.

Cathy, the tires that came with a Sienna weren't much better



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"Bud H" <budh DeleteThis @SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
> Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the car?
> Or the stock tires that came with it?
>
> Bud H


The tires on the Matrix XR 2WD are from Continental - ContiTouringContact
version as shown at this website

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/us/en/continental/automobile...emes/pc


Bud H
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"Cathy F." <clfr RemoveThis @adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
news:INednWXjCbWhWFrYnZ2dnUVZ_ruknZ2d@giganews.com...
>
> "Bud H" <budh RemoveThis @SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and traction
>>control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With the zero
>>degree temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out earlier this
>>afternoon and I was slipping all over the place in the packed snow - the
>>traction control (spinning tires) symbol was coming on frequently -- I had
>>to concentrate on stepping VERY gently on the accelerator to avoid the
>>tire spin.
>
> Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops in
> 2nd gear.
>

Putting a vehicle with an automatic transmission in 2 range limits upshifts
to 3rd gear. The transmission in effect becomes a 2 speed transmission,
starting in first and then shifting to second. Some automatic transmissions
have a snow mode that starts in 2nd gear.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

On Feb 5, 11:51 pm, "Bud H" <b... DeleteThis @SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote:

>
> The tires on the Matrix XR 2WD are from Continental - ContiTouringContact
> version as shown at this website
>
>
> Bud H

you might want to look this tire up at www.tirerack.com
then
go out and purchase a set (all 4) of decent tires

the most effective "insurance" you can buy for your car is a good set
of tires
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

It's the tires. I had the same on my 03 Matrix when new and they only
lasted 25K miles, so yours are probably only a little better than
50%. Plus, as I recall they are P205/55R16 (rather wide) and
therefore don't have a lot of "bite" in the snow. If you are in a
snow-prone area, I recommend that you buy snow tires and use them from
Nov.-March or whatever is appropriate for your area.


On Feb 5, 11:51 pm, "Bud H" <b... DeleteThis @SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote:
> "Bud H" <b... DeleteThis @SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
>
> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>
> > Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the car?
> > Or the stock tires that came with it?
>
> > Bud H
>
> The tires on the Matrix XR 2WD are from Continental - ContiTouringContact
> version as shown at this website
>
> http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/us/en/continental/automobil...
>
> Bud H
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

Bud H wrote:

> The tires on the Matrix XR 2WD are from Continental - ContiTouringContact
> version as shown at this website

All you need for winter traction is winter tires. Case closed.
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"dh" <dh.TakeThisOut@stargate.com> wrote in message
news:45c8646c$0$16269$88260bb3@free.teranews.com...
> "Cathy F." <clfr.TakeThisOut@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
> news:H-adnWfWdcLLcFrYnZ2dnUVZ_tqnnZ2d@giganews.com...
>> "Tomes" <askme.TakeThisOut@here.net> wrote in message
>> news:sYRxh.21211$w91.15533@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>> "Cathy F." <clfr.TakeThisOut@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
>>> news:INednWXjCbWhWFrYnZ2dnUVZ_ruknZ2d@giganews.com...
>>>> "Bud H" <budh.TakeThisOut@SPAMREMOVEwmis.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:MaGdnRzXNrB1XFrYnZ2dnUVZ_oipnZ2d@t-one.net...
>>>>>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and
>>>>>traction control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With
>>>>>the zero degree temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out
>>>>>earlier this afternoon and I was slipping all over the place in the
>>>>>packed snow - the traction control (spinning tires) symbol was coming
>>>>>on frequently -- I had to concentrate on stepping VERY gently on the
>>>>>accelerator to avoid the tire spin.
>>>>
>>>> Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops
>>>> in 2nd gear.
>>>
>>> How does this help? I am under the understanding that putting it into
>>> 2nd only limits it from going to 3rd, not force it to start in 2nd. I
>>> do not believe that it bypasses first gear by doing this, and thus it
>>> makes no difference in starting out.
>>
>> Don't ask me for the science/physics behind it; I can't. I just know
>> that instead of trying to start up from the dead stop in D/3rd at a
>> very slippery intersection, that it works considerably better if I
>> shift down to 2nd. (Whereas when I drove a standard, instead of staring
>> in 1st, I'd shift up to second so there wasn't quite so much torque.
>> Sounds like the two practices are at odds w/each other, but...
>> worked/s.)
>>
>> Cathy
>>
>>> I also would guess that the tires are to blame, agreeing with Cathy's
>>> reasoning on that below. I usually can't wait to get a set of
>>> Michelins (usually the X-Radial at BJ's) on as soon as I can. That
>>> all season tire is pretty darn good in the snow.
>>> Tomes
>>>
>>>>> In my Highlander SUV with tires that have been on that vehicle for
>>>>> over 50,000 miles, I had no trouble at all.
>>>>>
>>>>> It was hard to tell if this problem was due to the Matrix. or if it
>>>>> was because the tires that came with the car are bad in the snow.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it
>>>>> the car? Or the stock tires that came with it?
>>>>
>>>> Considering that I *hate* the tires that come on Corollas (they are
>>>> horrible in snow & not all that great re: holding curves on dry
>>>> roads, either), & considering that the Matrix is basically a Corolla
>>>> in different clothing, and therefore assuming that the tires that
>>>> come on the Matrix are the same that Corollas are shipped with, I'm
>>>> guessing it's... the tires. I always switch to tires rated for
>>>> better snow traction as soon as I can after the purchase of each new
>>>> Corolla.
>>>> Cathy
>
> It depends on the car. In some, '2' will start in '1' and never shift
> beyond '2'. In others, '2' puts you in '2' and keeps you there. Our
> Fords were like that. In those cases, using '2' reduced torque at the
> wheels and helped to prevent wheelspin on takeoff.
>
> I think Toyotas work this way but I'm not sure. Check your owner's
> manual for certain guidance.
>
> Cathy, the tires that came with a Sienna weren't much better
I had a 71 Gremlin that started in 2nd if you put it into 2nd, so yeah, it
can happen. I just thought that that was an aberration and just have not
noticed it in any car I have driven since. I used to use that feature on
that Gremlin a lot, but in a different way. Since it had the 258 in such
a light car it really took off from the stop. It also would not shift out
of first at all if you kept your gas pedal floored; it would just rev out
into oblivion. But, if you kept the pedal floored and at about 45 mph
selected 2nd gear on the automatic it would force its way into 2nd and it
felt like warp drive propulsion. It would surprise many sports cars off
of red lights in Asbury Park back then (when I was 17...). Never seen
that transmission feature since though.

I also agree with the Sienna tire comment as well. My 98 Sienna came with
Firestones that were sluggish and sloppy and handling jumped when they
wore out. (I will have to go out and try the 2nd gear thing on my Sienna
tomorrow and see.)
Tomes
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

On Mon, 5 Feb 2007 18:46:45 -0500, "Bud H" <budh.RemoveThis@SPAMREMOVEwmis.net>
wrote:

>I bought a new 2006 Matrix XR 2WD last May with VSC, ABS, and traction
>control that now has about 10,000 miles on the tires. With the zero degree
>temperatures in northern Indiana, I ventured out earlier this afternoon and
>I was slipping all over the place in the packed snow - the traction control
>(spinning tires) symbol was coming on frequently -- I had to concentrate on
>stepping VERY gently on the accelerator to avoid the tire spin.
>
>In my Highlander SUV with tires that have been on that vehicle for over
>50,000 miles, I had no trouble at all.
>
>It was hard to tell if this problem was due to the Matrix. or if it was
>because the tires that came with the car are bad in the snow.
>
>Anybody else had this issue with a new Matrix in the snow? Is it the car?
>Or the stock tires that came with it?
>
>Bud H
>

Most likely Tires are to blame. Get some good winter tires. You will
be amazed. Get some extra rims to put them on and store the summer
tires (after a good cleaning, especially with alloys)
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"dh" <dh RemoveThis @stargate.com> wrote in message
news:45cd424e$0$16326$88260bb3@free.teranews.com...
> "Tomes" <askme RemoveThis @here.net> wrote in message
> news:Wnvyh.25610$X72.22807@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>> We gotta get some more fresh snow so I can go out and play with the
>> Sienna 2nd gear test (and moreso in the Jeep [grin].
>> Tomes
>
> What are you using for tires on your Sienna now? And are you happy with
> them? It's time to replace mine again.

I am using the BJ's sourced (or Costco I suppose) Michelin X Radial (or
Radial X - I forget what order they use nowadays). I have used them from
about 40K to 188K and have gone through a few sets. Nice tire for the
purpose. It handles nice, gets 50K+ miles and is plenty strong enough for
when I overload the vehicle. It is not a fancy tire, but it does the job,
a good workhorse tire for a good price.

When the Prius needs tires I will be thinking of these first - unless
anyone has a reason not to use them on that car? <---hint - looking for
opinion on that
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

"Cathy F." <clfr.DeleteThis@adelphiadot.net> wrote
> "Tomes" <askme.DeleteThis@here.net> wrote
>> We gotta get some more fresh snow so I can go out and play with the
>> Sienna 2nd gear test (and moreso in the Jeep [grin].
>> Tomes
>
> How about a lot of fresh snow? Upstate NY - esp. the Tug Hill area
> where they've had 60 - 100+" of lake effect (off Lake Ontario) snow so
> far this week. (A bit farther south, we've had a comparatively measly
> 20" or so. )
> Cathy
>
It just keeps on coming for them, doesn't it. Part of me is glad that I
have not had to swap the mower off of the tractor for the snow blower yet
(if at all), yet the other part of me just wants to play in it.
Tomes
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away 

In article <LdSzh.1116$Jl.555@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net>
askme DeleteThis @here.net "Tomes" writes:

> When the Prius needs tires I will be thinking of these first -
> unless anyone has a reason not to use them on that car?
> <---hint - looking for opinion on that

A Prius advice manual put together by users has this to say on
tyres (heavily cut for inessentials):

LRR HSD Prius comes with standard tires. There are not LRR (Low
Rolling Resistance), as many people believe. If you desire, you
may switch to LRR tires. That will maximize MPG, offering a
minor improvement over most standard tires.

Treadwear 460 is the treadwear rating for the standard HSD
Prius tires. That's what many typical family vehicle tires come
with. 800 is what you'll find on the ultra-long-life tires. So
there is an obvious upgrade opportunity, if you want a set
tires to last as long as possible.

The rating number represents the wear resistance of the tire.
It does not correlate directly with the amount of mileage
you'll be able to drive. Don't rely exclusively on this value
when selecting a tire. Check the warranty, it will usually
state an approximate distance expectation. [...]

Size 185 / 65 R15 is the standard size tire for HSD Prius.
[...]

Original Tire Goodyear Integrity
HSD Prius comes with these tires standard. They are sometimes
referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires.
[...]

Upgrade Tire Michelin HydroEdge
These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used
on a HSD Prius. [...]

Upgrade Tire Goodyear TripleTred
These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used
on a HSD Prius. (Unfortunately, they are not available in the
standard size. So you have to use an alternate instead.) [...]

Upgrade Tire Michelin Harmony
[...]

Upgrade Tire Goodyear ComforTred
[...]

HTH.
--
Andrew Stephenson
 >> Stay informed about: New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away