I own a 2001 TJ Sport, and during our first heavy snowfall of the year, I noticed the vehicle had terrible traction on the road. Even light pressure on the brakes caused it to slide uncontrollably. While my TJ doesn’t have ABS, I don’t think the brakes are locking up that fast. To avoid sliding, I’ve been downshifting all the way to first gear to slow down enough to brake safely.
I have Goodyear Wrangler tires on it, which are in great condition with plenty of tread and are rated for severe weather. From what I’ve heard, they’re supposed to perform well in snow.
After talking to some friends, they suggested the poor traction might be due to the TJ being much lighter compared to other vehicles.
Is that true?
I’m planning to add a new front bumper, winch, roof racks, and other accessories to increase the weight. Would this improve traction?
What else can I do to make my TJ handle better? I live in the mountains, and poor traction could prevent me from getting to and from home.
You may have had some ice under the snow (glazing due to the surface being warm when snow fell, after surface cooled snow actually stuck), which makes any driving dangerous. Yes the TJ is a light short wheelbase rig prone to sliding and the rear end kicking out on you, but I also did this in a 5000 lb landrover discovery which had all kinds of bells and whistles of traction control. Just outright dangerous.
I am a baker by trade, and we would throw 50 lb bags of flour into the back of our jeeps to add weight in the back. You can do bags of sand.
Light snow on the road is the worst situation out there for TJs. Short wheelbase is brutal. Slow down is the best option. The jeep will get you there through anything, but it doesn’t have to do it quickly.
I’m assuming you’re in 4wd? 4wd helps prevent brake lockup. Other than that the relatively light weight, short wheelbase, rudimentary 4wd system, and lack of modern traction tools (like TCS) make the TJ not very good in the winter. I wouldn’t go adding weight in the form accessories hoping for better winter traction. If you feel you need more weight I would add it in the form of temporary weight, like sandbags.
Regardless though, keeping your distance, going slow, and coasting to a stop using the engine are always the best techniques for winter driving.
Short wheelbase, high center of gravity and no traction control are all gonna make snow/ice driving tricky
It sounds like the type of snow you experienced would have been trouble in any vehicle
Put it in 4WD and leave it in, for as long as you are on snow and ice.
Use the gears to slow it down, not the brakes (proper driving skills anyway).
Practice driving in snow so you get used to how it handles.
I’ve had my 2003 for 8 years in Canada, so I know what it’s like driving in snow.
And in answer to your question - yes
I’ve been driving my ‘98 TJ through New England winters for over 12 years and have always been pleased with how well I can control it in poor conditions. In fact, I’m often the one people call when they’re stranded at work after a storm because they’re too nervous to drive their own cars.
My TJ is mostly stock with decent tires—no lift or oversized tires—and I always use 4WD in bad weather. I believe this is essential for both maintaining traction when moving and braking on slippery surfaces.
I’ve heard mixed opinions about TJs in bad weather, with some people complaining and others loving how they handle. I think a lot of it comes down to the driver, to be honest.
I will say that braking in the Wrangler isn’t great on low-traction surfaces like snow or ice, but I rely heavily on gear braking in those conditions, no matter what vehicle I’m driving. From what you’ve described, it sounds like there might be an issue with your brakes. They shouldn’t lock up that easily, at least in my experience.
I’ve heard that adding weight can help, but I’ve never felt the need to try it myself.
Yeah I’m in northern NH.
As for the exact model of GY Wranglers, I think they are just the basic wrangler tires. I know there are a bunch of variants. There isn’t any indication on what model they are, they just say Goodyear Wrangler on the side.
If its snowing out, I am in 4WD. If there is snow on the road because it hasn’t been plowed yet, I am in 4WD. The only time I am not in 4WD is if its clear weather and the roads have been plowed and salted.
I have no doubt that the vehicle can get through the rough weather, I am just wishing that the handling would be a bit better. The main reason I am concerned isn’t just for safety, I manage a water system near a mountain development and the road isn’t plowed by the town. I need to be able to power through at least 2 feet of snow going up a steep hill. As long as I will be able to do that I will be happy.
I wouldn’t call a 3,500 lb vehicle weightless or even light. No, they aren’t very great in the snow, but are manageable. With winter tires and in 4wd you should do just fine.
GoodYear Wranglers are NOT winter tires. Even cheap “winter” tires will make a huge difference. And 4WD on ice is only great in a straight-line!! If you turn the 2 axles will be spinning the same speed thanks to the part time transfer case and either… the rear axle will slide out… oversteer, or the front axle will go straight… understeer
I put the hard top on for winter, both for added weight and to handle the weather better. The short wheelbase can make winter driving challenging; there isn’t much time to correct things when the rear end starts sliding around, which took me a while to adjust to. Before I had the Jeep, I drove an '85 extended cab Toyota with 36/12.5 Super Swampers and Detroit lockers front and rear. That vehicle was fantastic both on and off-road in the snow, as the extra wheelbase gave me more time to regain control when the back end started sliding. It felt like a full-on rally racer! I have four-wheel disc brakes on my TJ, but they’re not very impressive, even with 31-inch tires.