traction control....

[slingshot]

However, I do have a question for anyone who can possible help. I leave to go back to Binghamton (I go to school up at SUNY Binghamton - live on Staten Island, NYC) in a couple of weeks and was wondering if I should get my tires changed, considering the large amount of snow I drove in last winter. I think I should be fine for at least another year or two, but I'm asking just in case.

Thanks a lot for any input.

If you thought the car's OEM tires drove fine last winter up there, then keep them. If you want all season tires that handle much better in the snow, go with Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons 225-50-ZR17's. They are excellent tires but are expensive. Tirerack.com gives them much better reviews than the OEM tires. Of course, you could always get dedicated snow tires and switch them yearly in the winter too.

[TW85]

I found this site last night. I highly suggest a high speed connection otherwise the videos will take several hours to download.

Stability Control Demonstration On & Off in Snow and Ice:

http://www.esceducation.org/about_esc/how_esc_works/video_winter_driving.shtml

Exit Ramp - Oversteer w/ Stability Control On & Off:

http://www.esceducation.org/about_esc/how_esc_works/video_oversteer.shtml

Exit Ramp - Understeer w/ Stability Control On & Off:

http://www.esceducation.org/about_esc/how_esc_works/video_understeer.shtml

Obstacle Avoidance w/ Stability Control On & Off (Lincoln Navigator):

http://www.esceducation.org/about_esc/how_esc_works/video_obstacle_avoidance.shtml

[slingshot]

Excellent videos. I certainly felt the stability control take hold a few times last winter but I didn't try driving too fast in icy or wet conditions like those videos. The stability and traction control systems gave me more confidence driving during the winter which is what I was looking for. Great technology that finally is available on more affordable cars!

[TW85]

One thing I noticed in the obstacle avoidance video is that the professional driver instinctively counter steered the counter steer. People viewing the video do not get a full idea of what would actually happen without stability control. I think the majority of drivers would not know to counter steer the counter steer. The Navigator would have definitely fishtailed much more had the driver not done the final counter steer. The professional driver actually detracts from the benefit of stability control in that particular video.