Lexus ES300h and snow performance (merged threads)
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Alberta
Sorry, I should have been more clear. This only happens on snow or ice covered roads, not bare roads. Fine at low speeds in the city, but a problem on the highway. I have lots of winter driving experience (Alberta resident for >50 years). And have had several FWD cars (Altima, Mazda 6, Acura TL) with no problems. Always use good snows - the Lexus has Michillin Artics with only ~10,000 miles on them.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 26
From: OH
When you drive on snow or ice covered roads at speeds over 50mph in a front wheel drive car you are not going to get the best performance. I personally would not drive above 50 mph in such conditions, I don't think it is safe in any type of car. What if you had to slow down suddenly or come to a stop at short distance, I don't think it is safe.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 15
From: Ontario
did you have the car from new?
Wondering if its an accidented car possibly with a bent frame - the wheels can be aligned but if the frame is off, it could throw things around.
At speed, its wandering, its line is being thrown off - with it being an H it should be weighted in the back - perhaps throw some more in there to see if it improves?
Are you driving on packed snow or wet snow?
Wondering if its an accidented car possibly with a bent frame - the wheels can be aligned but if the frame is off, it could throw things around.
At speed, its wandering, its line is being thrown off - with it being an H it should be weighted in the back - perhaps throw some more in there to see if it improves?
Are you driving on packed snow or wet snow?
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 15
From: Ontario
When you drive on snow or ice covered roads at speeds over 50mph in a front wheel drive car you are not going to get the best performance. I personally would not drive above 50 mph in such conditions, I don't think it is safe in any type of car. What if you had to slow down suddenly or come to a stop at short distance, I don't think it is safe.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 26
From: OH
Understand, but I am not sure why the ESh would be that much different from the other cars he mentioned. I drive the ESh in the snow and I think its handling is reasonable. Actually having the hybrid battery behind the rear seat should help with snow driving, but once you start going into higher speeds then all bets are off.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 404
Likes: 7
From: FL
sport mode, and downshift so you are in "High RPMs" (vs normal low gear, high mpgs)
if you are already switching to snow tires, its just not pulling. drop a gear, so it pulls the front of the car. and point in the direction you want to go, and don't lift off the throttle abruptly.
but that's just basics driving in snow 101, right?
if you are already switching to snow tires, its just not pulling. drop a gear, so it pulls the front of the car. and point in the direction you want to go, and don't lift off the throttle abruptly.
but that's just basics driving in snow 101, right?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
I too drive an ESh and find it better balanced with the large battery over the rear axle. I have had no problems driving in the winter, at highway speeds (100 km/h / 60 mph and higher) and on all-season -- not winter -- tires (in the relative tropics of Southern Ontario though, not Alberta).
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 51
From: CN
I've driven the ES300h on ice and snow-covered roads with all-season tires through mountain passes. Hairiest driving I've ever done...
It's better to use Eco mode for a more gentle throttle curve. The electric motor easily spins the tires because of all that torque. I wouldn't dare do 50 mph on slippery roads even on snow tires.
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