Update: It’s handling much more predictably now. It seems the issue was likely due to the wheel speed sensors not knowing that the tires weren’t properly inflated due to an improper/lacking TPMS calibration. Since there aren’t actual pressure sensors in the tires this car has to make some assumptions that rely on having the tire pressure accurately set and then telling the car to reset it’s calibration. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bought a 2023 ID.4 last summer and have to say overall I really like it. That said, it’s winter handling on roads and highways might be the worst of any car I’ve ever owned.
It has the OEM Pirelli Scorpion Zeroes, and all of the online reviews make these out to be really good all around tires. Tread depth is okay - my depth gauge shows it on the border between green and yellow all around, so about 5/32".
With snow packed roads it slides all over above 30 mph or so. On the highways I can’t go over 40 or 45 if there are slippery patches or the whole car skates sideways and begins to fishtail. Other cars are flying by me, and the other vehicles I own handle the roads more like I would expect.
Could this be due to the material of the tires being harder than other tires? Is the tread pattern not good for ice and snow? I’m really questioning the online reviews but not sure if different tires will be better or not.
I’m not in front of the car right now but would be shocked if they weren’t the EV version. That’s part of what is going through my head - do EV tires use a harder rubber to make them roll more smoothly and last a bit longer, but then sacrifice grip in cold weather? Or is it something else. This is my first experience with an EV.
Naturally their marketing material isn’t going to mention any downsides to their more expensive version so it’s kinda hard to tell. But the tire is stiffer which might negatively affect traction. And it’s somehow lower rolling resistance which generally means worse traction, but not necessarily.