scottiza

I am a new owner of a CT 200. I recently found myself having a terrible time driving in the snow, especially on even a slight hill. I lost traction and actually began to slide backward, unable to stop and almost hit the driver in back of me. I am an experienced driver and not new to driving in these conditions.

Has anyone experienced this? Advice?


PS - I bought snow tires a few months ago and I have had no problem driving over all sorts of snow and ice. Problem solved!

tsopranoMB

GET SNOW TIRES!!!! They certainly make a difference and helped me this past Saturday driving home through the snowy mess we had~

the CT is not good in snow/ice, considering there are NO GEARS, NO SNOW/TRACTION OFF BUTTON...

nabbun

This Is Why I Want To retrofit The New Traction Control Button If Possible

JayGoldste

I agree. It only took one drive on snow to convince me to get a set of winter tires (Michelin X-Ice 3) and wheels for my F Sport.

The ability to disable traction control would be useful if you are stuck in really deep snow, but it is not a substitute for having winter tires.

KKM

This procedure takes you step by step how to turn off traction control, haven't tried it but will in case of a need:

http://srmotorcars.blogspot.com/2011...ontrol-on.html

alpha0M3G4

Nice! I know what I'm doing on my lunch break..

Thanks for the information, KKM!!

alpha0M3G4

It's actually very easy! I was able to successfully enter Certification Mode this afternoon. I followed the steps outlined in the blog KKM linked:

Step 1. With your foot off the brake press the power button on
Step 2. Make sure the vehicle transmission is in Park setting
Step 3. Press the accelerator pedal completely to the floor and then fully release three times.
Step 4. Press and hold brake pedal
Step 5. Engage transmission into Neutral setting
Step 6. Release brake pedal
Step 7. Press the accelerator pedal completely to the floor and then fully release three times
Step 8. Press and hold brake pedal
Step 9. Engage transmission into Park setting
Step 10. Press the accelerator pedal completely to the floor and then fully release three times
Step 11. In the lower right corner of the instrument cluster you should see ii display Certification Mode



Wicked easy and good to know. We get snow in MD, albeit very little.

nabbun

Be advised: You can cause serious damage to your vehicle in this mode. This is used for testing. No one on Club Lexus is responsible for any damage you cause to your vehicle.

scottiza

Thanks very much.

By the way, I have also experienced a significant decrease in MPG. I was getting about 43, and with the cold weather, I am now averaging closer to 33. I do use the heat and the seat warmer, but even when they are off, the mileage doesn't improve significantly.

Have you found the same?

alpha0M3G4

I haven't yet, but I've had the car for about 2 weeks and temperatures have been between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

KKM

The winter blend this time of the year in the fuel also reduces the mpg.

baltosteve

I have noticed that Sport Mode dampens the traction control a bit and have been able to negotiate some snow and our chronically icy alley with all weather tires

nabbun

The roads weren't really plowed last night. I had fun passing people in my CT. Stock wheels with tires. I had sport mode and flew by people at around 35-40 mph when I had grip. The 215 tires help slice through a bit. Way better than the 255 tires I had on my IS250 lmao

DBV1

The CT is horrible in the snow. Also - horrible when coming to a stop on a snowy road. It can be down right scary. I am probably going trade it in on a BMW 328d xdrive or one of the other new AWD diesel's. I have driven in the snow for about 30 years in front wheel drive and awd cars and have never had any issues with the snow. Actually, usually love driving in it.

I also think the CT is very poor in heavy rain conditions too.

Do snow tires make a huge difference? IE... Night and day differences?

JayGoldste

Winter tires make a huge difference in traction on snow and ice. Even if you add in the cost of a set of winter wheels, putting snow tires on the CT is a whole lot cheaper than buying a BMW 328d.

Once you have winter tires I bet you'll be nervous about sharing the road with those folks who are on all season tires.