AWD not working???

First of all I pretty know nothing about cars, sorry if I sound like an idiot.

 

Last winter my car would never ever slip in the snow. I could accelerate just fine, within reason, even if I was turning. We had the first snow of the winter recently and I was sliding all over the place. Is there anything I should check out on my car? If I take it to get repaired what should I ask about? Could this be the tires, haven't changed them since I got the car in 06? A few pointers would help out a ton, thanks.

Tires could be a factor but I'd be surprised if one year's driving could make that much difference. Snow varies a lot though... slush vs. ice, 30F vs. 20F, wet vs dry, you get the idea.

A bad alignment will make your car terrible on snow.

Tires could be a factor but I'd be surprised if one year's driving could make that much difference. Snow varies a lot though... slush vs. ice, 30F vs. 20F, wet vs dry, you get the idea.

 

I've had my car up in the rockies countless times in all kinds of snow and temps. Something really seems to not be working at this point. I'll check out the alignment and see if that helps.

What model Subaru and how many miles on your tires.

 

I will only say if you have Bridgestone RE92's(factory tires on many Subaru's) after 20k-30k they lose most of their winter grip.

What model Subaru and how many miles on your tires.

 

I will only say if you have Bridgestone RE92's(factory tires on many Subaru's) after 20k-30k they lose most of their winter grip.

 

it's a 2006 with just under 20k miles

In which way is it sliding? Front-end, rear-end or both at the same time? It may get you a hint.

 

If you are losing grip with the rear end it's probably time to take a look at the tires. Summer tires during winter isn't good.

it seems to be mostly the backend

the tires also spin when I try to accelerate just going straight, not flooring it or anything just normal acceleration

In that case it's likely to be a tire issue. I recommend that you try to get a different set of wheels for winter use.

 

Go for relatively cheap and narrow rims and equip them with good winter tires that are on the narrow side for what's specified for your car. That will give you the best grip. The difference is amazing when it comes to the amount of grip you get from winter tires compared to summer tires.

I had a '97 lgt before my '05 lgt. The 97 had a bent tie rod and the car was sliding all over the place. I would assume that having your alignment off would be a similar issue.

it's a 2006 with just under 20k miles

 

Assuming you have the factory RE92a's they are likely done for winter traction despite lots of tread left.

 

I would suggest like others either investing in a winter tire/rim set from tirerack.com or putting on all-seasons biased for winter duty like the Continental ExtremeContact. All-seasons are not created equal in snow/winter capability. Sadly the factory tires (re92a) are pretty bad with this respect.

find you a gravel feild floor it and see if the rear-end kicks up rocks.

find you a gravel feild floor it and see if the rear-end kicks up rocks.

 

then take car to paint shop to repair the rock chips

 

 

isn't there a fuse to take out to basically make the car FWD? i thought i read that around here somewhere...

if so, take it out and see if anything changes.

 

but i'd go take it for an alignment check anyway, always a good thing to check. the alignment was way out on my blazer this spring... holy crap it was a pain to drive above 50mph. and i had to get on the highway (55 zone) to get to the shop to get it aligned.

thanks for the input, I'll post again after I figure it out

i was about to say: after I put my Conti Extremes...driving in the snow stopped being fun: so much harder to slide the sucker around the turns.

i was about to say: after I put my Conti Extremes...driving in the snow stopped being fun: so much harder to slide the sucker around the turns.

 

Then I guess you have been 'disappointed' the past couple of days, eh?

Yeah, the Conti Extremes do pretty well in the snow but get a little scary on ice.

isn't there a fuse to take out to basically make the car FWD? i thought i read that around here somewhere...

if so, take it out and see if anything changes.

 

Automatics only

Automatics only

 

And only on 4EATs, if I'm correct. Besides, the dash light will go on if that fuse is out.

All 05+ lgts there is no FWD fuse.