Leaf tires in the snow?

[IBELEAF]

This evening we got a few inches of snow in WA and I got to enjoy a bit of time in my awd car while rescuing my stranded wife in her Sentra. As I was doing that I had thoughts running through my head how would Leaf do in the same conditions. Stock tires are not great in our Sentra and lack of traction control makes things even harder. I don't expect Leaf would plow through snow like awd car, but hoping it has good tires to deal with less than perfect conditions.

[garygid]

Usually LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) tires are not optimal for snow or rain, but I am guessing the running them at slightly lower pressures might help.
Does anybody know about that?

[DarkStar]

My first order of business will be to pick up a set of tire chains. Should be fairly easy to get in April.

[AndyH]

Snow tires on all four corners would be a good thing regardless.

I'm originally from Nrn Michigan and have plenty of windshield time in snow and ice in rear- front- and 4-wheel drive. I'd rather be in a front wheel drive car in the snow. Drive gently, no abrupt moves, increase following distance - the usual stuff.

Maybe keep the Leaf out of ECO mode and be gentle on the throttle and brakes as a start...

Or not - this Tango driver seems to do OK in snow!

[LakeLeaf]

Our brand new Prius (with brand new tires) was really quite bad in the snow. Once we got six inches or so of new stuff, the car couldn't make it up even a small hill. Really not something that inspired confidence in the bad weather.

This winter - studded tires on the car and it's just a beast in the snow. It's been able to plow through everything that has been thrown at us so far this winter.

Chains (actually cables - don't use chains they break too easily) are great in a pinch (or when CalTrans forces you to put them on the car in order to drive over a pass), but I'd much rather drive on snows if you are regularly in the white stuff. Cables and chains are a PITA to put on, break rather easily with the broken part whacking your wheel well ripping through all that aerodynamic plastic.

So as Andy says - "snow tires on all four corners" is definitely the way to go.

We just got a second set of rims with the Prius, without TPMS. The Prius just puts up a warning light. It would be nice to know that the Leaf won't bark at you all the time if you replace the wheels with snows without TPMS in them.

[JPVLeaf]

Wow! WTH is a Tango?! Well, now I know.

http://www.commutercars.com/

Not cheap, though!

Or not - this Tango driver seems to do OK in snow!

[Rokeby]

I would like to know how the LEAF handles low-end torque in the snow.

The Prius has a Traction Control (TC) system that has as much to do with
preventing overspeed of Motor/Generator2 (MG2) as with dealing with
traction issues. Once a Gen II Prius is stopped dead in the snow, if
you're unfortunate enough to find yourself going up hill, and maybe
with a turn to negotiate, it can be really challenging to get moving
without the TC intervening and cutting off power. The Gen III is said
to be less likely to intervene.

Anyway, if you spin the LEAF's drive wheels at a stop, what happens?

Oh yeah, the Tango goes for $100K+. Seems like a good set of Blizzaks
or Nokians all 'round is a better investment.

[TomT]

I got to drive one of them a couple of months ago. It is an amazing vehicle! The acceleration feels like a rocket has been strapped to your back!

Wow! WTH is a Tango?! Well, now I know.

http://www.commutercars.com/

Not cheap, though!

[TomT]

Redacted

[AndyH]

Anyway, if you spin the LEAF's drive wheels at a stop, what happens?

You can't without turning off the traction control.