Lexus ES300h and snow performance (merged threads)
10-01-18, 07:51 PM
#16
Not sure what you mean. when you say winter, do you mean you are driving on snowy icy roads at speeds over 50 mph? or your question is the car does not drive in straight line on well treated roads?
10-01-18, 07:56 PM
#17
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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.
10-02-18, 04:43 AM
#18
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.
10-02-18, 07:29 AM
#19
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?
10-02-18, 07:31 AM
#20
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.
10-02-18, 09:04 AM
#21
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.
10-03-18, 01:52 PM
#22
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?
10-03-18, 06:54 PM
#23
Lexus Champion
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).
10-04-18, 05:35 AM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
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.
10-06-18, 08:22 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
So just to clarify, when driving straight on the highway the car is weaved back and forth in the lane by the road's snow cover? Sort of tramlined back and forth?
Has to be the tires.
Has to be the tires.
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