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.
34,290

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
    4,590
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,380
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
8 Great Deals out of 125 listings starting at $3,495
Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 959 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
51 Great Deals out of 1,116 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
181 Great Deals out of 3,936 listings starting at $440
Used Nissan Altima
33 Great Deals out of 663 listings starting at $3,795
Used Dodge Charger
35 Great Deals out of 854 listings starting at $4,888
Used Chevrolet Cruze
64 Great Deals out of 1,020 listings starting at $2,495
Used Ford Fusion
19 Great Deals out of 428 listings starting at $3,488
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 462 listings starting at $11,749
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
176 Great Deals out of 7,546 listings starting at $7,777
Used Chevrolet Equinox
103 Great Deals out of 3,183 listings starting at $1,695
Used Toyota Corolla
126 Great Deals out of 2,184 listings starting at $103
Used Hyundai Elantra
158 Great Deals out of 2,927 listings starting at $1,995
Used Hyundai Sonata
52 Great Deals out of 792 listings starting at $1,543
Used Nissan Maxima
15 Great Deals out of 193 listings starting at $1,450

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.