[brichar2]

Hi Guys,

My 02 forester is handling terrible in the snow this year. The whole vehicle feels like its constantly sliding left and right when its a little slick out. It happens even when im going 10mph. This is my 3rd winter with this vehicle and ive never had this problem. My tires are about a year old, maybe 20k on them, are Pirelli Cinturato Strada. I took them in to get looked at and they said the tires were not the problem. Im wondering if it has something to do with the suspension and its just escalated in the snow.

Any ideas or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[frankinmaine]

I will take a shot at low fruit. Is your tire air pressure high? Try 30 or 32psi. You had an alignment recently? I had a car the front was way off and it was squirrelly in snow. (not as much tire on the road is how I understood it.)

Did you turn off your traction control by accident?

 

[sleepstate]

2002 models have no traction control or stability control.

I will 2nd the tire pressure check, also an alignment.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Yep, alignment check and tire pressure check. Possibly a loose ball joint or something suspension related, but go for the easy fixes first, and tire pressure check is free and alignment check is usually free too.

 

[brichar2]

Thanks for the responses. Tire pressure is between 32-34. Ill look into an alignment and ball joints.

 

[konaid]

I have spent a lot of time driving in the snow. I have an 06 FX. It is a great driving high mileage car. I would say unless you do not have major alignment issues or damage, it is just that those tires are not well suited for snow/ice, especially with them being a little older/harder now. I have a similar style all season that is downright scary to drive, and that are like 6 months old. I switched to my winter set after that first snow fall and was shocked just how bad "all season" tires are.

Just my two cents.

I would check those things you can, and if it all looks good, maybe think about another setup? They are great cars to drive, and have cool characteristics in regards to AWD handling. That being said, there is a rally component in the older cars especially (i.e. No TCS) that can make the cars squirly in the slippery stuff. My best shot in the dark is that the tires are just wearing out a bit and it's making a big difference.

 

[soobcrazy]

Do a wheel bearing wiggle test by gripping the tire at 10 and 2 and shaking the crap out of it. If you feel any play, a wheel bearing is going south on you.