Can you run same size tires with traction control?

[427435]

I'm considering options for winter tires. My Plan A is to get the same size tire for both the front and back (something in between the diameters of the front and rear), but I don't want issues with the traction control kicking in.

Has anyone run the same size tire, front and back, with traction control? If so, any problems?

Thanks.

[SergntMac]

Traction control functions by counting revolutions. A larger tire in the rear that's greater than 1.05" taller than the front, would give the impression of slip. It works vice-versa, and for the ABS as well.

Same size on all four corners will be fine, even with alternate sizes not previously tested on the MM. As long as the revolution remain the same, or within reason.

As an experiment, I switched my front and rear tires, and it took a expressway blast up to 65 MPH to get the revolution error high enough to trigger an alarm. As soon as I restarted the car, it reset.

[ADE 1000]

I'm considering options for winter tires. My Plan A is to get the same size tire for both the front and back (something in between the diameters of the front and rear), but I don't want issues with the traction control kicking in.

Has anyone run the same size tire, front and back, with traction control? If so, any problems?

Thanks.

I am in the same boat as you are. What sizes where you planning on running?

I was actually thinking of running a 235/65-17 all the way around, this size is about the same diameter as the stock rear tire.

I have read here in the past that it could cause issues with the traction control but I am not sure to what extent.

[SergntMac]

I was actually thinking of running a 235/65-17 all the way around, this size is about the same diameter as the stock rear tire.
That size seems okay, but double check front brake rotor and caliper clearance too.

The key to good traction in snow, includes consideration for the width of the tire as well. The OEM (and larger) tires in front tend to act like snow plows because of their width. When snow builds up, it acts like a tire chock, and most likely the rears won't get enough of a grip to push you over that.

[ADE 1000]

That size seems okay, but double check front brake rotor and caliper clearance too.

The key to good traction in snow, includes consideration for the width of the tire as well. The OEM (and larger) tires in front tend to act like snow plows because of their width. When snow builds up, it acts like a tire chock, and most likely the rears won't get enough of a grip to push you over that.

I would rather go with a narrower tire in the front. Ideally this would be a 225/60-17. However, the availability of a matching set of snow tires in this size with the 235/65-17 rears is virtually nonexistant.

I could always go with the 16" route, but that would make them useless if I ever decided to go with the TCE 13" brake kit. Decisions decisions.....

[CRUZTAKER]

This may not help, and I know it's not what you are planning....but allow me to throw this into the mix.

I sold another member here in Ohio my 16" snow tire setup. The tires were all 235/60/16. The rears however were of a different brand than the front. A much more aggressive winter only tire. Ironically enough, the rears, being of a more bitier tread, were exaclty a half inch rounder than the fronts. This basically mocked the OEM setup on our cars (1:1.05), only in 16" diameter rather than 18".

The very first time he got the car over 45 mph, his 300B's traction control light came on. I thought I could fool his car, but somehow it still noticed the difference.

This was by no means the end all, as all we did was agree to leave the T/C off with the winter setup. Not needed anyway with superior winter tires.

[SergntMac]

I could always go with the 16" route, but that would make them useless if I ever decided to go with the TCE 13" brake kit. Decisions decisions.....
Let's toss this around a bit?

If your debating snow and tire size now, you must not be able to park your MM when it will snow, so, that's reality one. Reality two, is that snow is coming to a Midwest region near you soon. Reality three, is that your planned brake upgrade is probably a "next spring" dream now anyway...How am I doing?

Okay, don't dice things up so quickly, just think about your priorities and what is about to happen next? Shop for tires, drive on them all winter, and regroup/rethink brakes next Spring?

What you buy now will not be wasted, you could turn them over to another MM owner next fall, depending on whether (no pun intended) or not you actually come to realize your brake upgrade plan next year. Afterall, things develop fast around here, there may be something brake related that's much more inticing to you next Spring, but snow will fall long before that time...IMHO.

[ADE 1000]

Let's toss this around a bit?

If your debating snow and tire size now, you must not be able to park your MM when it will snow, so, that's reality one. Reality two, is that snow is coming to a Midwest region near you soon. Reality three, is that your planned brake upgrade is probably a "next spring" dream now anyway...How am I doing?

Okay, don't dice things up so quickly, just think about your priorities and what is about to happen next? Shop for tires, drive on them all winter, and regroup/rethink brakes next Spring?

What you buy now will not be wasted, you could turn them over to another MM owner next fall, depending on whether (no pun intended) or not you actually come to realize your brake upgrade plan next year. Afterall, things develop fast around here, there may be something brake related that's much more inticing to you next Spring, but snow will fall long before that time...IMHO.

Impressive, you summarized my situation quite well. As much as I would like to make the Marauder gargage queen number 2, I do not want to deal with the potential headaches of keeping a $2000 beater running through a Chicago winter. Not to mention the fact that I have limited parking facilities available.

I have been going through the same thought process you mentioned. I was set on the 16" combo until I came across a screaming deal through Discount Tire. I can get four of the 17" wheels seen below mounted and balanced with Hankook W300 Icebear 235/65-17 winter tires for a little over $600.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findWheelDetail.do?wd=17&pc=53456&bp=5-100&rw=7.5&vid=008650&yr=2004

I am not one for buying Asian branded tires that I have never really heard of before, but the reviews I have read on Canadian sites are positive. I am tempted to give it a try but I am concerned about fittiment/TC issues.

People have mentioned the TC light coming on above 45mph. Does that mean that the TC actually works below 45mph??

[427435]

This may not help, and I know it's not what you are planning....but allow me to throw this into the mix.

I sold another member here in Ohio my 16" snow tire setup. The tires were all 235/60/16. The rears however were of a different brand than the front. A much more aggressive winter only tire. Ironically enough, the rears, being of a more bitier tread, were exaclty a half inch rounder than the fronts. This basically mocked the OEM setup on our cars (1:1.05), only in 16" diameter rather than 18".

The very first time he got the car over 45 mph, his 300B's traction control light came on. I thought I could fool his car, but somehow it still noticed the difference.

This was by no means the end all, as all we did was agree to leave the T/C off with the winter setup. Not needed anyway with superior winter tires.

When the light came on, did the engine computer start shutting off power?

I don't want to drive with the T/C off. I plan on using it to check for black ice----step on it a little and if the light comes on, time to slow down.

It sounds like you need to keep about a 5% "stagger" front to back. I wanted to use 215/70-16's all around which are about half-way between the 2 stock diameters. The narrower tread will also be better in snow and slush. Guess I'll have to do some more tire sizing unless someone can report that they've run the same size, front and rear, without T/C issues

[martyo]

When the light came on, did the engine computer start shutting off power?

FYI, IIRC, the traction contol is only good to 35mph. I believe I read that around here somewhere.

[Bradley G]

Our T/C system first recognises wheel slip by the wheel speed sensors .the first reaction of the system applies a brake pulse to the rear wheels, if you don't take your foot out of the go pedal then the system will retard fuel/spark until traction is regained. I know a lot of guy's state they don't Like or need these features ABS /Traction control but I do recognise thier benefit....... OK......hang on...........:flamer: Let'er Fly
When the light came on, did the engine computer start shutting off power?

I don't want to drive with the T/C off. I plan on using it to check for black ice----step on it a little and if the light comes on, time to slow down.

It sounds like you need to keep about a 5% "stagger" front to back. I wanted to use 215/70-16's all around which are about half-way between the 2 stock diameters. The narrower tread will also be better in snow and slush. Guess I'll have to do some more tire sizing unless someone can report that they've run the same size, front and rear, without T/C issues

[427435]

FYI, IIRC, the traction contol is only good to 35mph. I believe I read that around here somewhere.

I haven't had a chance to try it (hard to spin the rear wheels during the summer at speeds over 35 mph----at least without a S/C). However, the T/C on my 2002 Sable certainly kicked in at speeds in the 60+ mph area. I can't think why it wouldn't be programmed to do that once the speed sensors and other devices were present.

I will be trying it the first time we have snow or ice!!! :drive:

[MMM2003]

Well,

I can't believe it. A winter tire thread and no one has brought up this thread?
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4390
Here you go.
Only 20 pages to sift thru and you will find everything you ever wanted to know about winter tires.

Tirerack is working on upgrading their site. They will offer a complete package with 16" steel rims.

Here is some 411 on a 17" set. This was quoted in 2003. Not sure if the same tires are still available, but the sizes should work for your setup.
front 215/60r17 Michelin Arctic Alpin
rear 235/65r17 Michelin Pilot Alpin

Dunlop, Bridgstone and Pirelli also offer 235/50/18 Winter Tires, if you want to go with bigger brakes in the future. All you need are some 18" MM OEM rims.

Good luck!

Peter aka MMM2003



I haven't had a chance to try it (hard to spin the rear wheels during the summer at speeds over 35 mph----at least without a S/C). However, the T/C on my 2002 Sable certainly kicked in at speeds in the 60+ mph area. I can't think why it wouldn't be programmed to do that once the speed sensors and other devices were present.

I will be trying it the first time we have snow or ice!!! :drive:

[BillyGman]

Even though the Michelin Arctic Alpine snow tires are good in the snow, they're being phased out and replaced w/Michelin's new snow tire called the X-Ice tire. And I haven't seen any 16" sizes that are suitable for a Marauder on any of the online tire place's websites yet. However there are some close out sales going on now for $93 per tire for the Arctic Alpines still left in stock. Go to www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com/) and you'll see what I mean. However, they only seem to have the P225/70/16" ones left, so you would have to go w/that size on the front and back, and I'm a bit skeptical if tires that tall will fit on the front w/out rubbing the fender wells. They're 28.7" tall, so that's a big gamble to take.


But in addition to that, this year is the first that presents a new winter tire option for us Marauder owners. Bridgestone now makes their "Blizzak W-50 snow tires in an 18" size. This is the first snow tire that I've ever seen that is offered in an 18" size, that doesn't have such a tall height, that it only is good for SUV's and pick-up trucks. www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com/) also has these Blizzak W50 snow tires in P235/55/18" which has a height of 28.3" and just might be fine for using on all four corners. That is if you want to use your mag wheels in the snow. Many Marauder owners prefer not to, but I've been told that snow and salt shouldn't effect our mags since they're clear coated polished aluminum. But It looks like that might be your only choice if you want premium studless snow tires. The Blizzak W-50's are supposed to be one of the best snow tires around. And if they're as good as these Arctic Alpine's are in the snow, then you won't need studs even if you don't have traction control. Infact, my Marauder doesn't have traction control, and the Arctic Alpines worked spectacular in the snow last winter for me, and they made a major difference.

Anyway, for those of you who're interested, here's a direct link to the exact page of the website that you need to go in order to look at the Blizzak W-50 snow tires, and all you'll need to do is click on the "sizes & pricing" link on the top of the page to see the P235/55/18" ones.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...l=Blizzak+WS-50 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+WS-50)<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[ADE 1000]

Well,


Here is some 411 on a 17" set. This was quoted in 2003. Not sure if the same tires are still available, but the sizes should work for your setup.
front 215/60r17 Michelin Arctic Alpin
rear 235/65r17 Michelin Pilot Alpin




Did anyone on the forum actually run this size? An if so, did it cause any issues with the traction control?

I also have not heard an answer to the question of whether or not the traction control will work prior to the light comming on at 40+mph.

[MMM2003]

There are a few members that run 17". Don't know for sure what size they choose. Do a search. We had some threads about that and I remember seeing some pictures.

Can't answer your question on the T/C, since mine is a '03-300A.


Did anyone on the forum actually run this size? An if so, did it cause any issues with the traction control?

I also have not heard an answer to the question of whether or not the traction control will work prior to the light comming on at 40+mph.