I'm a new IS350 owner and this is my first winter in it. Calgary gets some hot days followed by ridiculously cold temperatures (-35) which results in rock hard tires and roads of sheer ice. I took the plunge and bought some brand new snow tires which has helped tremendously.

I have noticed a new problem though. When braking in very icy areas I found the car skids a long way even at slow speed. On a mild decline with the brakes fully depressed the car would skid along at about 1-2kph. I couldn't really understand how the traction could be so bad.

Finally a friend pointed out that while I was braking, the rear wheels were continuing to push forward. With the brakes fully depressed and ABS pulsing the idling engine will continue to drive forwards. I've confirmed this by putting the car in neutral when approaching an intersection and now I stop on a dime.

First question... Is this normal? I doubt this affects too many people other than those that live in extremely cold/icy conditions.

Secondly, the salesman told me the car had 4-wheel braking. I'm not sure how it's possible for the rear wheels to spin at all, let alone be pushing, if that's true. Was I duped?

Thanks!

 

I honestly do not believe that idle compression would be enough to break the tires loose while braking. I would have it checked out ASAP, something is definitely wrong with your rear brakes.

 

definitely bring it into the dealership to get it checked out.

 

mine does it too until i realize that im not pushing down hard enough