My 2008 Rogue in the snow

[Not Happy]

Someone please tell me that it is just me and not my new car. My Rogue as beautiful and responsive as it can be, is starting to make me re-think my purchase. The first issue with my Rogue SL AWD was the alignment. It took three visits to the dealer to correct the problem. Annoying, but it is over with.Next issue, the sewing machine noise that the transmission makes when I am between gears....CVT....... not happy.Again, I can live with it, but the handling that I just experienced in the snow/ice conditions today.... I am so disappointed. My Rogues ABS sounds like a car braking with no pads( metal on metal), very loud.I cannot live with the noise, but that is not the most important issue...the car did not stop, and it fish-tails.Please tell me it is just me and that it can be rectified.Canadian winters will be the death of me if this is what I am to expect.I have driven a stick(5 speed) Celica, and my last car was a Maxima, no problems.Has anyone else experienced similar issues, or do I need to take this &#@#***$## of #$$# back to the dealer again.Forgive the $#$%% ...like I said I love my car, so this hurts

[Nissannate25]

I don't know much about the Rogue's, as I just got mine last Saturday. My salesman told me to lock the awd out, so it's constantly in awd when your driving in the snow. He said it could be jolty if you left it in the normal i-awd mode. Idk, like I said I don't much at all about this platform, it's all new to me too.

[kerrton]

Man that sucks, but if you have the stock Continental tires, that could be the problem with the poor winter handling, not the ABS or AWD. Other than that, I can't say I've heard anyone else having these problems, especially alignment issues, my FWD has been great for almost a year now, although I haven't really had any bad weather here in Alberta yet, once I do I'll report back if I experience the same problems.

I do have a CVT that sucks, and is going to be replaced. If your CVT is making noises you should definately take it to your dealer and make lots of noise. The CVT should be silent, any grinding or rattling is NOT normal.

[jerogue]

Hi,We haven't had any alignment issues with our 2008 Rogue... but I just had the EXACT same experience you did driving in the snow. I am a very nervous winter driver anyway and we haven't had this car a winter yet so it was my first snow/Rogue experiece. We also had a Maxima before and it was a 1992 and it handled better! ARgh!I am pretty sure we just have regular tires on, so I need to deal with that ASAP now that the snow is here, but I really want to get this grinding noise figured out as well. Please comment if you get it fixed and what was wrong. I actually just googled winter tires +rogue tonight when I got home because of this experience and it landed me here on your post. Glad I found this because it proves I'm not crazy.

[Superdave54]

I had a chance to drive my Rogue in some very slick conditions last winter. I have a set of Toyo ice and snow tires. I lived in Alaska for years, and am comfortable and aggressive driving in snowy and slick conditions.

I drove the Rogue in all modes with great results. The AWD traction control and anti-lock brakes are "busy", and do make some noise when operating, but the car was easy to control and sure-footed.

I did not even consider using the stock Continental tires. One look and I knew they would not be good on snow and ice.

[Nick 568]

Yeah, I'd say it's the tires that are causing your poor handling. I have a nice set of studded winter tires for mine, and the Rogue is the best handling car I've ever driven in the winter. I personally like have the rear end having a tendency to swing out. I used to drive a RWD truck for two winters before this, so I'm used it. IMO, you're less likely to crash with oversteer than understeer. If you're going into a corner too fast on ice in a FWD car, you're pretty much going to keep plowing straight off the road or into a tree, or whatever. With a car that oversteers (where the rear will swing out) what will most likely happen is that your car will just spin out on the road instead of going off of it. Plus, when the rear slides out, you can keep it under control most of the time. No offense, but I do think the driver training programs in the US are a joke. I'm a fan of Finland's driving programs where it takes you 3 years to get your license, and you get tested in driving under ALL road conditions. Snow, ice, dry pavement, wet pavement, and even gravel I think. They'll also force you to go into slides and make you regain control.

As for the loud ABS noise, I don't think it's loud, but when I first drove a vehicle with ABS and traction control systems, I did think it was loud. But if it really is that bad, you may want to get that checked out too.As for the CVT, it will be louder than a regular automatic, but if it's very loud like you're describing, definitely take it in. As others have said here, there's been a lot of problems with the CVT on the Rogue making noise.

As Nissannate suggested, you might just want to lock your Rogue in AWD.I personally find the VDC annoying when you're expecting to slide and are going to just simply do a controlled slide. I find that if you're taking a turn a bit quick and know you're going to slide, and decide to just power through it, the VDC cutting the engine power and individually braking whatever wheels it deems necessary will screw you up and cause the car to not behave like you expect it to. Last heavy snow fall we got, that happened to me, and the VDC kicking in caused me to almost crash since I was counter-steering for the slide. Plus, it makes me look like a noob to the other people on the road, lol.What I do when I know I'm going to slide and that I can control it, I turn off the VDC before I round the corner.

So maybe the issue you're having regarding driving in the snow is related to one of the things I described above?

PS- Superdave, did you used to live in Anchorage or another part of AK?

[jmbones]

As mentioned above, most ABS systems are somewhat noisy, make a grinding sound/feeling and suck in the snow. I'd rather have no ABS in the snow, knowing I will at least slide (and I can try to control that) when trying to stop, whereas the ABS just does it's thing and it takes forever for the vehicle to come to a stop, if it even does at all. While I don't drive the Rogue, my wife did just complain about the rear end sliding sideways while coming to a stop at a stop sign in the snow.

Speaking of VDC, recently the idiot light on the dash has been appearing on her Rogue. The ABS light comes on and the "VDC OFF" with a picture of a vehicle and the squiglly lines. What does this mean? Once she turns the vehicle off, it disappears. Any ideas?

[Lexi'sSexyRogue]

Thats really strange that you have had problems... I live in South Dakota, where we have already had a winter storm and I thought my Rogue handled wonderfully! Especially when I got into my friends pickup right after driving my Rogue and I was so used to the good traction that I almost slid off the road!... oops. (It was a solid ice patch!) It works especially well with AWD on. But then again in the land of no mountains or hills, I havent experienced icy patches on downhill slopes.

[roguetoad]

Nick 568 has good advice re understeer/oversteering in snow.

Get decent snow/ice tires. Look here about brands that interest you. Toyos, Haks, some Michelin. some Yokos are OK to good. Read up all you can on winter driving and tires.

Go to an ice driving school. They're worth every penny: could easily save your life, or your car, or someone else, if you live in snow country.

At the least, go to a big parking lot when you've got a few inches (six or more) of snow and play with the car to see what it does. Keep your speed low and pay strict attention to what the car wants to do: In turns, under braking, and under acceleration.

Disclaimer: You do this at your own risk. (And your own peace of mind.) Even if you know something about winter driving, brush up every year, especially in a new car.

There's a good ice driving school in Steamboat Springs, CO, and I think there are now some in New England, and perhaps Michigan.

And Nick is right about the VSC. BUT, don't mess with it until you know you can control your car under any anomalous condition. VSC can protect unknowledgeable drivers--that's why its there.

A knowledgeable driver can get in and out of sticky wickets with the VSC off, but you've got to be right on top of your vehicle's dynamics. That takes practice. Lots of it.

And he's right that USA driver training isn't worth the adjective, "training". It sucks.

Knowing that, and knowing that therefore the driver coming at you in the slipperies likely hasn't a clue what to do when his/her car slips, learn what to do with yours and you might drive your way out of a nasty experience. Besides, sideways at 60 in the snow is a ball! as long as nobody else is around...except the guy you're racing.

[eric_c]

Is this your first AWD vehicle? You're sending power to the back now, so fishtailing is pretty much the order of the day when the power to the back wheels exceeds their traction. Its not a flaw of the Rogue, its just the nature of driving a vehicle that sends power to the rear wheels. If I give it too much gas in my Subaru in bad snow, it does the same thing. The back end breaks loose and wants to come around.

As advised, your biggest culprit is driving on the stock Continentals. Do yourself a favour and get some snow tires - any snow tire. The cheapest, crappiest snow tires you can find is going to be night-n-day better than the stock continentals in the snow.

BTW, studded tires are illegal in Ontario.

[albertbro206]

I had a chance to drive my Rogue in some very slick conditions last winter. I have a set of Toyo ice and snow tires. I lived in Alaska for years, and am comfortable and aggressive driving in snowy and slick conditions.

I drove the Rogue in all modes with great results. The AWD traction control and anti-lock brakes are "busy", and do make some noise when operating, but the car was easy to control and sure-footed.

I did not even consider using the stock Continental tires. One look and I knew they would not be good on snow and ice.

Hey Superdave54,what tires did you go with (brand/model/size)? I just took our Rogue up to Custer a few weeks ago when the rain was coming down hard and experienced a lot of hydroplaning through Bellingham on I-5. I'm not very happy about the stock tires and am looking for replacements.

I'd like to take the Rogue up to Mount Baker this season.

[Jimothy12]

VDC use?

I am unclear as to when to press the VDC button? My salesman was not very knowledgeable when I asked. Thanks

[philipa_240sx]

Yes, the ABS and VDC systems are noisy when active.

Like I have said many times:

The OEM Continental tires on the Rogue have to be some of the worst all season tires I have used. They are downright dangerous in snow! Do yourself a favor, upgrade them to better tires or get dedicated winter tires before you end up in the ditch or a collision!

I have finally had a chance to test my winter tires (Hankook Dynapro iPike RW07) in snow. They rock! In combination with the VDC system, you get grip and control well beyond all seasons. No fishtailing and very good control IMHO. And this on a FWD Rogue!

Remember: Traction is determined by the tires not the drive type! (AWD or 2WD)! AWD will just use the grip provided by all 4 tires to move the vehicle forward. When you go to brake or corner, AWD does nothing to help you.

[daytrippr]

...

The OEM Continental tires on the Rogue have to be some of the worst all season tires I have used. They are downright dangerous in snow! Do yourself a favor, upgrade them to better tires or get dedicated winter tires before you end up in the ditch or a collision!

...

Phil, there are lots of comments here about the Contis and not much about the Dunlops. Does anyone have any comments on them?

Here in NW Washington we have 2 or 3 snowfalls a winter with anywhere from 2-12 inches at a time, which gets quickly plowed or sanded, except on the very back roads. It usually sticks around for a few days.

I have Dunlops and I am not ready to trash them with 15K miles on them. We drive cautiously in the snow and ice. I'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks

[roguemocker]

Daytrippr,

Phil, there are lots of comments here about the Contis and not much about the Dunlops. Does anyone have any comments on them?

Here in NW Washington we have 2 or 3 snowfalls a winter with anywhere from 2-12 inches at a time, which gets quickly plowed or sanded, except on the very back roads. It usually sticks around for a few days.

I have Dunlops and I am not ready to trash them with 15K miles on them. We drive cautiously in the snow and ice. I'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks

Daytrippr, I live in the Sno Valley (WA) and have the Dunlops... got my Rogue last Jan and have driven in one snow storm... in my opinion, the Dunlops are just fine for our type of snow, unless you went up to Stevens or Snoq/were a big skiier or went over the mountains much. Someone else commented on the Bellingham freeway in the rain, part of that problem is that there are alot of ruts in that area and standing water... hydroplaning is big here with all our crummy roads! But I haven't had any major probs w/my Dunlops & plan to keep them a while.

Hope that helps.....

[philipa_240sx]

Sorry, I only have the Conti's to compare to. Never used Dunlops.

Southern Ontario is what I would call moderate for snowfall. Typically less than 4" per storm and the roads are routinely plowed and salted so the asphalt is bare in a less than a day from a major snowfall. Some years we barely get any snow, maybe 3-4 major snowfalls and the rest is rain.

Given our somewhat moderate winters, many drivers still use all season's. However all season tires are typically designed to be quiet (not a very aggressive tread) and with hard rubber compounds that are long wearing. Problem is the tread pattern is not optimized for snow and the harder rubber compound becomes rock hard at sub-freezing temperatures. This is not a good combination for snow/ice traction.

Getting back to Nothappy's question:

Tires are a big factor. Some of the symptoms you are describing are the result of poor traction from your tires. Get a set of winter tires and you will immediately notice the difference. More traction, less sliding, more control and the ABS and VDC and AWD systems will actually work much better.

If you have never driven a car with ABS and VDC, it takes some getting used to. The vibrating & grinding noises are completely normal when the system is active. Braking with ABS is probably the hardest one to get used to, esp in snow. Just slow down, and get used to how the car reacts.

[daytrippr]

Daytrippr,

...Someone else commented on the Bellingham freeway in the rain, part of that problem is that there are alot of ruts in that area and standing water... hydroplaning is big here with all our crummy roads! ...Hope that helps.....

Thanks Roguemocker (and Phil!) I feel much better now. And tell me about I-5! We LOVE the surface in Everett but what a pain it was while they worked on it. The worst part of traffic in Bellingham is the crazy Canadian truckers who blast thru town on their way north to the border at Blaine!

[eric_c]

Generally, you should leave the VDC/TCS on when driving.

In certain specific situations, however, the TCS can hinder you. Namely, unplowed roads and parking lots, deep snow, etc. What occurs is that when the TCS system detects wheelspin, it cuts the gas and starts selectively applying the brakes to force engine power across the differential to the other wheel.

In a low speed/deep snow situation, such as trying to get out of an unplowed parking lot, wheelspin may be inevitable and having the TCS constantly cut the gas and apply the brakes can kill your forward momentum. You'd get moving and then get stuck again as the TCS does its thing.

In this scenario, pressing the VDC button and disabling the VDC/TCS will allow you to power your way out, spinning wheels and all. If you have an AWD drive Rogue, you should also be pressing the AWD lock button and locking the center differential.

Once out on the road, however, you should be turning the TCS/VDC back on. The VDC could save your bacon some day.

VDC use?

I am unclear as to when to press the VDC button? My salesman was not very knowledgeable when I asked. Thanks

[roguester]

Yes, the ABS and VDC systems are noisy when active.

Like I have said many times:

The OEM Continental tires on the Rogue have to be some of the worst all season tires I have used. They are downright dangerous in snow! Do yourself a favor, upgrade them to better tires or get dedicated winter tires before you end up in the ditch or a collision!

I have finally had a chance to test my winter tires (Hankook Dynapro iPike RW07) in snow. They rock! In combination with the VDC system, you get grip and control well beyond all seasons. No fishtailing and very good control IMHO. And this on a FWD Rogue!

Remember: Traction is determined by the tires not the drive type! (AWD or 2WD)! AWD will just use the grip provided by all 4 tires to move the vehicle forward. When you go to brake or corner, AWD does nothing to help you.

Mine came with Dunlops they seem to be ok I don't think they will be a long lasting tire. I have changed to Hankook dynapro as well for the winter and I find the traction very good but they are a bit noisy on the highway here in southern Ontario

[philipa_240sx]

Mine came with Dunlops they seem to be ok I don't think they will be a long lasting tire. I have changed to Hankook dynapro as well for the winter and I find the traction very good but they are a bit noisy on the highway here in southern Ontario

Yeah, the noise is the only downside to the Hankook iPike Dynapro RW07. It's a low frequency hum that appears around 60mph (105kph) that's the most noticeable. This is to be expected for winter tires. My previous Nokian Hakka winter tires had a high frequency whir much like driving on grooved pavement. In some ways the Hankooks make less noise.

I actually enjoy the VDC. When used with the higher grip level of winter tires, it is very effective and is quick to correct the vehicle. Last winter with the OEM Continental all season tires, the VDC would kick in constantly and stay activated longer making it a real PITA.

Has anyone noticed how the ABS behaves with winter tires? I find the ABS activates later and allows a small amount of lockup to occur. IMHO it's much more effective and is more controllable.

[Jimothy12]

Thanks Eric_C!! A much better explanation than the sales man or the owners manual.

[ahhbeebee]

Re: stock dunlops and snow performance.

It snowed here in Calgary last spring (3-4 inches) the day after i took possession, but I still drove anyway (stressfully so). The dunlops held up quite well in the snow, no significant problems with traction (VDC did quick in a good deal), but I'd rate them as above average in snow (with reasonable driving habits). Still trying to decide whether to put snow tires on since I'm fairly confident with the stock tires, and we don't get a heck of a lot of snow here anyway.

[Pescakl1]

You should not base your choice only of the quantity of snow you will have during winter, it is also a question of temperature.

Below minus 5 Celsius, all season tires rubber is rock hard and could pose problem on handling and braking.

On brand new tires (the first year), they can handle quite well the temperature but after one full summer and a lot of heat cycles, the rubber start to not be so flexible anymore.

I used to keep all season tires on for the first winter, but tried a second winter only once on a Subaru legacy and scared me to death several times, even at slow speed in city driving, and would not take the chance again.

BTW, if you don't have too much snow, I highly recommend the Michelin X-Ice (not just because I am french born ), I have them for two days and I am really impressed with them.They make LESS noise than the contis, handling is really nice and precise, and are reviewed as the best winter tires on dry conditions, that is why I bought them.

[ahhbeebee]

I certainly agree, in fact as I was typing up my message I was thinking the same thing, I haven't really run the car/tires on ice yet. I'm surprised you found your legacy lacking without winter tires (I've got one also, no use since we got the rogue though ).

Certainly winter tires will help with stopping distance and emergency maneuvers, but I found my Subaru held up pretty well in our winters. But keep in mind, the amount of snow and ice is very different in this part of the country.

[kerrton]

Even though nobody is going to agree with me, I've gotta report how THRILLED I am with the performance of the Rogue on slick ice and snow, even with the stock Continentals. It rained the other night, then froze and snowed on top, so the roads were all like skating rinks, worse case scenario short of really cold temps (it was around -7 celcius). I tried my hardest to get the Rogue to skid/slide go out of control on my way to work and then in our skating rink parking lot, and it was tough, the Rogue was just too stable and stuck to the road like glue! The VDC kicked in a few times but it was tough to get it kick in, and when it did it was awesome, it immediately stopped the skid and returned traction, and I didn't hear any noises. The ABS kicked on briefly only once but it too didn't sound very noisy. I love the Continental tires so far, and I know that winter tires would be much better, and I might change my tune once it gets colder and the rubber hardens up, but as long as it hasn't dipped below -10C the tires and vehicle overall has been nothing short of amazing in my opinion. Granted, I'm comparing to my previous Saturn Ion car, but even in absolute terms this Rogue is great in winter conditions.

[Superdave54]

I bought 16 x 7 inch wheels (5 -100/114 pattern) and Yokohama Geolander I/T+ tires from Discount Tires on Lakeway in Bellingham. The wheels and tires cost $855 out the door. I did not spend the extra $350 for the TPMS sensor valves. Consequently, I have a TPMS light the whole time, but that has been OK.

[Superdave54]

Info on alternative to 17 inch snow tires and wheels. This combination matches the stock circumference so the speedometer is accurate.

I bought 16 x 7 inch wheels (5 -100/114 pattern) and Yokohama Geolander I/T+ tires. The wheels and tires cost $855 out the door. I did not spend the extra $350 for the TPMS sensor valves. Consequently, I have a TPMS light the whole time, but that has been OK.

This was bought at a Discount Tire, a national chain I believe.

[AznJohn22]

Yes, the ABS and VDC systems are noisy when active.

Like I have said many times:

The OEM Continental tires on the Rogue have to be some of the worst all season tires I have used. They are downright dangerous in snow! Do yourself a favor, upgrade them to better tires or get dedicated winter tires before you end up in the ditch or a collision!

I have finally had a chance to test my winter tires (Hankook Dynapro iPike RW07) in snow. They rock! In combination with the VDC system, you get grip and control well beyond all seasons. No fishtailing and very good control IMHO. And this on a FWD Rogue!

Remember: Traction is determined by the tires not the drive type! (AWD or 2WD)! AWD will just use the grip provided by all 4 tires to move the vehicle forward. When you go to brake or corner, AWD does nothing to help you.

I was wondering if I should buy new winter tires. But we hardly get any big snow storm in the new york city area. Thinking about the cost benefit.

[philipa_240sx]

AznJohn22,

It's a matter of personal choice. Factors such as how far and where you drive? How much does it normally snow? Is it on plowed roads? Can you just stay home in bad weather? etc. You have to weigh these options and how much risk there is.

For me, even though we don't get huge dumpings of snow where I live (not normally at least), I drive alot (+30,000mi/yr), in bad weather, late at night, and in remote rural areas. Going off the road is a major concern.

In terms of $$$, yes there is an initial outlay of cash. But in return, you will be spreading the tire wear across 2 sets of tires. In effect you will drive twice as far before having to buy new tires. And if snow tires save your bacon at least once, the cost is justified vs. an accident with expensive body work and insurance rate increases.

The choice is still yours. Good luck!

[cwarwick]

I have found the Rogue to be an outstanding vehicle for Canadian winter driving.

The TCS seems to make the vehicle much more stable and predictable in slippery conditions. For crossing traffic lanes, all you have to do is toss it over, get everything pointed in the right direction, and the TCS takes care of getting you on your way.

My only complaint is that the ABS locks up at too slow a speed. For driving on hard packed snow, the worst we get here, most ABS systems will slow the vehicle in a controlled manner, and then lock to grind to a stop. My Rogue can't seem to do this last bit, and on packed down hill grades can even speed up slightly...

With my Versa I just use the handbrake, but the foot pedal in my Rogue doesn't give me that kind of control...

I have read somewhere that putting the car into park could also work, but with AWD I'm not sure how that would work...

Any suggestions? Is this a parameter that can be changed?