Traction control?

Now I understand why so many cars at intersections. They are just like mine but with smaller payments.

So, the problem starts at about 3 to 4 inches of the brown snow. The stuff that piles up after the snow has been driven in. And it gets stuck in 7. When it got stuck I had to jockey back and forth. Feathering the gas. Some judicious spinning and after about 5 minutes got it out. It was on FLAT ground. In the middle of a quiet street. I shudder pulling out in traffic. With those little 7 inch loose ruts that accumulate. But I am learning to feather the gas like a pro.

Anchorage just finished up with the worst snow in several decades. 24+ inches of snow in about 8 days. The first snowfall was 12 to 14 inches over on the edge of town. Most areas had more. My house had over 18 inches for the first fall. We measured it. The brown snow was 6 to 8 inches deep in ruts absolutely everywhere. My old Acura drug a lot of snow. (Just great for all the parts being drug) When those ruts froze I had to park it.

That's why I am so rattled about this. This thing wouldn't have been drivable!

Yes it has traction control. Literally won't move with out it!

I also realized, a bit late in the game, that it only does reverse and forward. Really was desperate to quit taking taxis. How bad could it be? Yes. BAD.

Thanks for the first sentence, the one about this is how it is. I had no idea. My front wheel Acura got around like a tank. With about 120 pounds in the trunk. The weight is my summer tires. On rims. That's why I asked about the weight. The Acura (year 2000) is a much heaver vehicle so that may be what was happening.

I will check it out for a trade in. The good thing is that I no longer have to depend on taxis. The bad news is that when I do need one so does every other 2 wheel drive in town. I spent a lot of money for a vehicle that cannot drive in the snow.

So far it seems that the tap tap tap on the gas and a bit of back and forth will work in most snow. But not normally or safely. If it comes out with too much spin it climbs snow banks like a snow machine. Very exciting when I first figured that out.

My car has a name. Turtle. Just like a turtle. On it's back. In the snow. In Alaska.

Thank you for trying to help. Although your first sentence is the most helpful of all. Any further suggestions will be greatly appreciated. But it looks like trade in is the best way. I'm going to lose my shirt before this is over.

This is a nice car. Love driving it. Beautiful sight lines, very comfortable and stops on a dime. Just that tiny bit with the snow.

Sincerely Barbara

A friend also mentioned tire chains. Plastic ones. I had forgotten. And I'm talking to the dealer about trading in for an all-wheel. I really want 4 wheel but not automatic 4 wheel. So, things are happening. I'll let you know how it ends up. Thank you so much for the help, Barbara

Well, the saga is now complete. This is a lovely SUV. As long as there is no snow, mud or sand. Monday morning, we had 10 inches of fresh snow at work. Acid test. I did not pass. Got bogged down in 10 inches. It would not go forward! Had to back up and try again. Numerous times. Then tonight almost got it stuck going around a corner with the brown snow. The car salesman will do a trade in. Saturday will find something with a bit more go in snow. Thank you for all the help. This is a real disappointment. This car is so great. Just not in the snow. Which won't work in Alaska. Barbara