ABS not working well in semi wet slushy snow

[Trace]

I live in MN and have had my Telluride for ~1.5 yrs - there has been 3 driving periods where I can stand on the ABS at low speeds and the vehicle doesn't seem to slow down much. I've tried pumping the ABS like old school thinking perhaps there is a chance that disengaging and re-engaging may work, I tried down shifting the transmission, I took traction control off. it took 2 to 3 times the space to stop as the Lexus traveling the same speed next to me did. He stopped at the stop light, I slid right on through. This experience has only happened on fresh heavy snow. I asked dealership if ABS systems can be adjusted, you can hear the ABS but it isn't effective for slowing the vehicle down. I could just glide and get almost as much stoppage. Any other Telluride owners having this experience?

 

[blitt]

Drove mine through "winter stuff" last winter and did not notice what you are describing.....however, you sparked an "interest" so when we get some of the wet snow stuff this year I plan on doing some "experimenting!"

 

[wazslow]

My guess is that it has a lot more to do with the tires than the abs system. If you don't have any traction/grip, what good can the brakes and abs system do?

 

[Sportshot2]

I live in the same area and the tires in the snow we had yesterday is the problem. The slick heavy wet snow does not create enough resistance to properly activate the system. Suns out now try it on dry or wet (not slush or ice) and Ibet it works fine. What would have helped the most in yesterday’s snow is Winter tires

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[mitchkramez]

I live in MN and have had my Telluride for ~1.5 yrs - there has been 3 driving periods where I can stand on the ABS at low speeds and the vehicle doesn't seem to slow down much. I've tried pumping the ABS like old school thinking perhaps there is a chance that disengaging and re-engaging may work, I tried down shifting the transmission, I took traction control off. it took 2 to 3 times the space to stop as the Lexus traveling the same speed next to me did. He stopped at the stop light, I slid right on through. This experience has only happened on fresh heavy snow. I asked dealership if ABS systems can be adjusted, you can hear the ABS but it isn't effective for slowing the vehicle down. I could just glide and get almost as much stoppage. Any other Telluride owners having this experience?

What tires are you running currently? I think @wazslow is probably correct, but I'd be surprised at the Michelin Primacy Tourings not doing well (assuming that's what you have) in snow based on the TireRack test results for that tire: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=244

 

[Trace]

What tires are you running currently? I think @wazslow is probably correct, but I'd be surprised at the Michelin Primacy Tourings not doing well (assuming that's what you have) in snow based on the TireRack test results for that tire: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=244

I am running the Factory installed tires. Will be purchasing winter/snow tires soon.

 

[mitchkramez]

@Trace what trim/tire is it? Michelin or Pirelli?

 

[gman1868]

After having used winter tires and taught years of performance driving in winter conditions, if you aren't going to get dedicated winter tires, the only tires worthy of the "All-Season" designation is the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. We have always referred to any other tire as "No-Season" because they don't work well in the summer nor the winter. I have personally used this tire on my SUVs for the past 8-9 winters and their performance has been great.

They have an exact fit for the 18" wheel size, but for the 20" wheel size you'd need to get a 255/50-20. At 0.2 inches taller, it won't be significantly taller and will provide excellent traction when compared to anything except dedicated winter tires such as the Michelin X-Ice, Brdgestone Blizzaks, or Nokian Hakkapeliittta.

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[mitchkramez]

@gman1868 - the new michelin cross climates are pretty incredible in the snow as well from my experience on my 2011 honda accord! https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=CrossClimate+

The only downfall is that they're directional!

 

[Kwim]

@Trace , abs does not shorten the braking distance, but allows the car to remain steerable. the system is very simple, there is nothing to break with the effect of wrong work. it either works or it doesn't.
in your case a traction problem. the worse the situation, the worse the tires, the farther your stopping distance.

 

[Trace]

@Trace what trim/tire is it? Michelin or Pirelli?

@Trace , abs does not shorten the braking distance, but allows the car to remain steerable. the system is very simple, there is nothing to break with the effect of wrong work. it either works or it doesn't.
in your case a traction problem. the worse the situation, the worse the tires, the farther your stopping distance.

I understand the distance but if one vehicle travels at 30 mph and can stop in 100 ft,(the lexus) my vehicle stopped in 300 ft and I was standing on the abs........I don't have any issues in rain or getting going in the snow so I didn't think it was the tires. It's like the abs just doesn't squeeze hard enough. I had a Hyundai Santa Fe prior to this, and it would stop a lot better than the Telluride,

 

[Trace]

@Trace what trim/tire is it? Michelin or Pirelli?

I have the AWD EX and it has the 18" Michelin tires on them

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[Trace]

I live in the same area and the tires in the snow we had yesterday is the problem. The slick heavy wet snow does not create enough resistance to properly activate the system. Suns out now try it on dry or wet (not slush or ice) and Ibet it works fine. What would have helped the most in yesterday’s snow is Winter tires

Yes today was good, i don't have issues getting traction and starting in the snow, I don't have issues in the rain. Just in the snow like yesterday. It happened only twice last winter, not all the snows - so it's weird. I don't know if there is a sensor that malfunctions in the snow like yesterday or what's going on...... I will try winter tires and see if there is a difference.

 

[NDBlackEX]

We run Toyo Celcius on our vehicles. They are all weather tires, a cross between winter tires and all season. They are awesome in snow. (We see plenty)

You can run them year round, they dont wear as fast as winter tires. We get about 50k out of a set. You do pay a mpg penalty with them. Our CRV would lose 1-3 mpg.

We drove 50 miles on the highway in the slush yesterday in western MN and had no issues with our stock Michelins. With Covid and not really planning on traveling much, we'll probably just run the stock tires this winter and maybe get a set of Toyos next winter.

 

[gman1868]

I have the AWD EX and it has the 18" Michelin tires on them

Sadly, if they aren't the Defender LTX M/S, they are very different tires.

 

[TheNip73]

After having used winter tires and taught years of performance driving in winter conditions, if you aren't going to get dedicated winter tires, the only tires worthy of the "All-Season" designation is the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. We have always referred to any other tire as "No-Season" because they don't work well in the summer nor the winter. I have personally used this tire on my SUVs for the past 8-9 winters and their performance has been great.

They have an exact fit for the 18" wheel size, but for the 20" wheel size you'd need to get a 255/50-20. At 0.2 inches taller, it won't be significantly taller and will provide excellent traction when compared to anything except dedicated winter tires such as the Michelin X-Ice, Brdgestone Blizzaks, or Nokian Hakkapeliittta.

Nailed it!

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[Sportshot2]

Sadly, if they aren't the Defender LTX M/S, they are very different tires.

I have the LTX on my wife’s Subaru Outback. The Outback was good in snow with the stock tires but with the Defenders it is a beast. Going through plow rows and on unplowed back roads with 10” of snow was never an issue. Really hoped that was the Michelin tire used on the Telluride.

Our Telluride is to be delivered in a few weeks and I have contemplated getting a set of winter tires even though the new T will have Michelin tires at delivery. The touring tire KIA puts on the AWD T’s is more about quiet than providing the traction the Defender series does In snow and ice conditions.

My wife and I are retired so we usually don’t have to go out when the weather is at its worst but if she makes one comment about the tires having poor traction if she is out alone, there will be Blizzak’s put on ASAP. I could put the Larger size Defenders on but I don’t believe there will be a very good market for the Michelin take offs.

I could avoid all that if she would drive the F150 FX4 but she really doesn’t like to.

 

[tom1016]

If you live where there is snow, you should put on snow tires period! Regardless of vehicle.

 

[mmassey911]

My 2021 Telluride SX NightFall Edition is equipped with 245/50/R20 tires. I am considering buying snow tires; as I live in Western New York. I have the opportunity to purchase a set of 4 245/40/R19 Toyo Celsius snow tires mounted on Kia rims. Would these be compatible size wise on my Telluride? Has anyone had any experience with this brand of tire? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[blitt]

If you live where there is snow, you should put on snow tires period! Regardless of vehicle.

Not bad advice for sure....but that being said, I deal with what you see here frequently and have never had an issue with the OEM tires which are rated as "MS".....perfect for the most brutal conditions? Probably not......but using a "smart approach" with the available tech and manually using the tranny, plus being very aware of the conditions before I get into 'em, I have never slipped, slid, or been stuck so far. I am old enough to remember changing my tires (2 wheel drive vehicles) to snow tires, ...sometimes with studs, etc. and am very glad not to have to do that anymore.