New Matrix XR 2WD in snow - slip sliding away

Also, if you're driving an automatic, try starting up from full stops in 2nd gear.

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

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

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

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 :-(

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

Bud H

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.

you might want to look this tire up at

the most effective "insurance" you can buy for your car is a good set of tires

All you need for winter traction is winter tires. Case closed.

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

My father had a '94 Pontiac Grand Prix that had a "second gear start" switch for such situations, although he told me it didn't work worth a crap.

I tried the snow feature today in my RWD V8 car and it made for a lot less spinning when starting out, works as advertised ;-)

We gotta get some more fresh snow so I can go out and play with the Sienna

I actually enjoy driving in the snow as long as all of the other idiots stay off the roads.

When we first got our Sequoia, I took it out to an empty parking lot to see how it would do in 2WD, and there is no excitement. Floor it, and it just goes, it has traction control but I've never seen it activated. Floor it and turn the steering wheel, and the stability control beeps and it goes in circles. The 4WD comes in handy when driving off road, but it is kind of overkill on the road.

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)

What are you using for tires on your Sienna now? And are you happy with them? It's time to replace mine again.

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

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?

"Cathy F." wrote

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