Low traction light

Asked by Lanesweeper Jan 17, 2018 at 06:22 PM about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT FWD

Question type: General

My low traction light comes on when i give it gas
ever so slightly on snow and ice.  Could not even
get up a slight incline.  Why does light come on?  
My car is fwd

2 Answers

350

This is a very generalized answer - it might be normal considering the conditions, and I've seen it on several cars. One tire slipped slightly and triggered the sensor. If it happens in dry conditions then it could be the sensor. What's happening here is all about the tires. "All season" tires are adequate in the winter. It varies by brand, but some grip better than others in the cold. That there was ice means it was really cold. Even tires marked "winter" are going to lose traction where ice is concerned. Winter tires have a more aggressive tread and the tire "rubber" isn't as affected by low temperatures. The trade-off is they're a bit noisier and may not last as long. All season can get a bit "hard" when it's cold, have a less aggressive tread. That combination doesn't make for great traction. They are quieter, and may last longer. Depending on where you live and the driving you need to do, you may want to explore different tires. I know that's an expensive option, but it's less costly than getting hurt and losing the car. Most garages, or auto parts stores, can read the OBD2 in your car, usually free. If there's something wrong with the sensor, they'll tell you.

2 people found this helpful.
34,750

the light comes on when the trac. system is working. the system keeps the wheels from spinning. if you turn the switch off, light will stay on, and wheels will spin. ( short definition of system operation )

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,600
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,410
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
9 Great Deals out of 107 listings starting at $4,632
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 716 listings starting at $1,400
Used Dodge Charger
38 Great Deals out of 645 listings starting at $4,888
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford Fusion
17 Great Deals out of 415 listings starting at $2,999
Used Chevrolet Cruze
51 Great Deals out of 977 listings starting at $2,195
Used Chevrolet Equinox
81 Great Deals out of 2,797 listings starting at $4,499
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 307 listings starting at $10,500
Used Toyota Corolla
108 Great Deals out of 2,035 listings starting at $2,795
Used Hyundai Elantra
163 Great Deals out of 3,544 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Maxima
9 Great Deals out of 144 listings starting at $5,653
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,238 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.