Reason #695 why ABS sucks!

exactly ... You folks need to listen to Jimmy.

for the most part, yes ... Studless Winter tire technology has caught up with studs, and on a broader range, surpassed them

I suggest downshifting (yes, even with automatics), and for slow maneuvering on pure ice, even 4LO

Indeed

 

I haven't even had my ABS kick on in the snow yet, but on ice its kicked on a couple times. Didn't feel it was detrimental to me stopping though.

Since it was in your driveway

 

Every one of these ABS threads is based on the ABS kicking in while the driver wanted to go STRAIGHT...and it's been shown that ABS doesn't help you stop faster in that situation. Although, in the straight-line ABS test (second test in the video) the RAV4 withOUT ABS technically stopped shorter. But shorter and sideways may not always be what you want

I've haven't had my Tacoma in ice/snow yet but definitely rain of varying amounts. I haven't had the ABS kick in in the rain, although I do drive more cautiously when it's raining. I HAVE had it kick in on dry pavement when someone pulled out in front of me and when a dog ran out in front of me. In both situations I was able to maneuver around the obstacle...which is what it was meant to do.

 

QFT ... And from what I've observed and read testimony about on here, the Rugged Trails are almost worthless on ice.

 

Agreed on all counts. I run dedicated studless snow tires and almost never have ABS kick in.

I have used 4 LO to crawl down hills that were completely iced over before too.

 

Indeed.

I have to say, I can't ignore all the complaints about the ABS system being too sensitive over the last (5.5) years. Technically speaking, the ABS system is a simple software routine that runs inside the skid control ECU module. I presme that there is no bar against updating the code, to recalibrate the system. However, that is something that only Toyota can do AFAIK.

The only way to get something done is for Tacoma owners to complain to Toyota / and concurrently file complaints with the NHTSA and whatever Canada's equivalent of the NHTSA is.

Thats my $0.02.

 

Okay. Great info from all. Thank you.

Loved the very informative video Janster!

What I have learned:
- ABS is sensitive in the Tacomas
- Good snow/ice tires are the way to go.

What is everyone finding that works for good snow/ice tires?

 

Would be great if it could be recalibrated to stun instead of kill.

 

This is my 5th Winter on Blizzaks ... love them and wouldn't go back to studs for anything.

I believe ABS logic conflicts with ice traction ... furthermore I think the more complex the system (ATRAC, VSC, and the other alphabets ) the more amplified the issue is. So I'm not a "denier" of the issue at all ... but the key is to avoid ABS engagement on ice as much as possible. This means slower speeds, increased reaction space, downshifts to slow forward momentum over heavy brake pedal action, use of 4HI, and under extreme ice conditions...4LO. My two cents for what it's worth.

 

You're dropping your bucket down a dry well. They think skidding with all four wheels locked will stop them faster.

 

How's the popcorn this morning?

 

Pretty good actually.

 

My parents run General Altimax Arctics on their Subaru Outbacks and they do quite well.

I have Yokohama Geolandar I/T G072s on my Tacoma, mainly because I got a steal on them brand new. I'm happy with them. Maybe not quite as good at those Generals, but combined with 4WD the truck is just about unstoppable.

Nokians are the best of the best, but you pay for that.

 

So I see even experts from down south can tell me that there is nothing different about my ABS brakes., and that they work just fine in snow. I have owned a T100, 4Runner, Mitsubishi Outlander, F150, and this Tacoma. That's just the 4wd vehicles I've owned that I can think of - not to mention cars and 2wd trucks. THIS TRUCK DOES NOT STOP AS WELL AS ANY OF THE OTHERS. You can't argue that. There are a Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Outlander at home in the driveway at this moment. I can stop at the bottom of my cult-de-sac if it's slippery in those 2 vehicles. It's battle between me and the truck when I drive the Tacoma. I've had to take it up on the curb a couple of times to get into the deep snow to stop at the bottom of the cult-de-sac. On my vehicles I have used both studded and non-studded tires in winter (even caught with all-season tires in early storms). I know how to drive in winter. I'm experienced. I just know that I have to be a little more careful in the Tacoma BECAUSE OF THE ABS (or maybe ABS in combination with other "safety" features). It's been proven that it can take longer distances to stop with ABS. I know it's purpose is to maintain vehicle control when slamming on brakes. But when it's too sensitive it will not allow you to stop on slight downhills. It will just continue to "slide" on and on until you hit something. Argue it if you like, but if you want to argue it, please back it up with 35 years of winter driving experience.

EDIT: I just read this over and it sounds pretty blunt. Haven't my morning coffee yet. My apologies.

GC

 

Not denying there is something different, and not trying to argue. I believe people are experiencing what they are reporting. Something in the ABS logic/sensitivity, specific to the Tacomas, is causing the issue, and you have to adapt to it, or fight Toyota Corporate over it. Not saying that's correct or how it should be, it just is what it is. No offense intended, sorry if I did.

Knew I should have stayed out of this.

 

It's possible that mine doesn't bother me because Subarus also have very sensitive ABS and that's what I've had before the Tacoma.

There's no denying that proper snow tires do make a massive difference.

 

One other point (well 2 actually). One poster suggested gearing down even in an automatic... or even shifting to 4LO. Another poster said he hasn't driven in snow but has had his ABS kick in on wet pavement.

To the first poster I say, yes you are correct. I have no problem getting around as I've been doing it for 35 years. Stopping is the issue. Many Tacoma posters have described the same issue, yet we still get told that it's the driver or the conditions. However, my point is that I don't have to do that in the other vehicles, but I do have to do it in the Tacoma. There is a slight incline from my driveway to the bottom of my cult-de-sac. When we leave for work in the morning, my wife goes first in her car, and I wait til she's left the cult-de-sac before I leave the driveway. If it is really slippery, and she has to stop at the bottom, I will rear-end her. The ABS kicks in and I just keep sliding on and on and on.

To the second poster, what I am describing is in now way related to a momentary activation of ABS on a wet road. In your case the ABS seems to do what it is designed to do.

GC

 

LOL MQQSE, I'm PMSing this morning. My apologies. I was not offended, just got a little defensive!! Gotta go get a coffee! But you are correct, the only point I am trying to make is that there IS something different with the Tacoma ABS brakes.

This ". Something in the ABS logic/sensitivity, specific to the Tacomas, is causing the issue, and you have to adapt to it" is exactly right.

 

Wait, I'm confused now. Isn't that the problem everyone is complaining about?