traction issues lately...

[Mackid343]

i've got an 04 pontiac grand am gt with about 36000 miles on it now and i have the original factory tires. i got the car when it had 9200 miles and havnt ever rotated them (yes i know thats not a good idea :? ). i keep them between 30 and 35 psi which is recommended from what i know; however, lately it seems that when i accelerate any quicker than a normal slow acceleration, the wheels always spin some and the traction control goes on. now it has snowed a fair amount recently and there is quite a bit of salt residue left on the road but the roads are very dry when this occurs. i'd expect it in rain or if there was snow down but there is not. my tires are worn some but not enough that the tread wear indicators are too close or showing or anything

could anyone shed some light on this? i can post pictures of the tread wear if it would be helpful

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Ice?

The tires won't grip as well when it's very cold as the rubber hardens of course. All seasons? Next time it happens stop and get out and see how slippery the road is, sometimes when it looks "freeze-dried" there is actually a thin layer of frost.

Make sure to adjust your driving accordingly when you notice slip as if they slip when you accelerate they will slip when you decelerate.

[RadarRick]

Quite easy, your tires are ****e and need replacement or some one has bolted a super charger to your motor with out you knowing. Don't let a set of new rubber cost you a wreck, GET NEW TIRES :?
RR

[Acecool]

Salt, can act like gravel...

Cold streets... Cold air causes the tires to expand?

And so on..

[ELVATO]

Salt, can act like gravel...

Cold streets... Cold air causes the tires to expand?

And so on..

To expand? Hmm, I always thought hot air expanded. But yea, you may be needing new tires. For some reason, stock tires usually aren't the best.

[p8ik8e]

you would be right vato... the only thing that expands in cold is water (ice)... and of course saabr is also right, cold tires dont get nearly as good traction in cold as they do in heat... frost is definitely a possibility as is salt covering the pavement... more than likely i would guess that it is just the cold though... if 'sconsin has been like minneapolis, its frigid... my tires have been slipping during acceleration little but i just adjust my driving to meet the needs of the road conditions... some winter tires would do you nice though im sure

[Mackid343]

it is frickin cold here so im guessing its a combo between my old tires and the cold conditions.

and of course i adjust my driving accordingly when this happens since it isn't as safe to drive that way when you don't get as much traction.

i am due for a new set of tires in the near future... not sure how i'll foot the bill with that one right now :?

thanks for the insights tho

[crazyVOLVOrob]

get new tires and if snow is a problem by you get all seasons...I have performance all seasons and i have grip issues in snowy conditions

[Mackid343]

Bridgestone Potenza G 009's come highly recommended from my local tires plus and my dad who has them on his 01 catera...

good/bad? whaddya think?

[TSi+WRX]

Check your tread depths.

Check your tire pressures, which can easily vary depending on ambient conditions. Remember, not only do you have hot/cold weather to deal with, but you also have to think about when you're filling up the tire - i.e. a "cold" fill versus a "warm" fill. I tend to check my "hot" pressures during the summer months and/or if I know I will soon be taking a long highway trip with the vehicle (in any weather), and usually use "cold" fills in the winter (especially since I typically only drive a very short distance on my daily commutes).

Also, remember that the "suggested tire pressure" is just that - a generic suggestion. You do need to experiment a little with different fill-pressures, depending on the specific tire and your tire sizing (if different from OEM sizing), as well as again dependent on the weather, to insure not only best performance, but proper performance.



As for the specific tire, I would try looking for an on-line Forum/community specifically dedicated to your vehicle. They should have some good, specific, recommendations for you.

Finally, just as the others here have mentioned, if you have an all-season tire on your car now, remember that it is a "best compromise" tire. It won't provide you with any more than "getting by" traction when there's significant inclimate weather, espeically at low-temperatures and under icy, snowy, or slushy conditions.