Topic: Why Costco rocks for tires

[tortoise]

So I can run "4WD" without any real penalty to fuel consumption unless the Sequoia determines that 4WD is needed?

I am sure that there will be a penalty for running in AWD. You'd be sending half the power down a separate driveline so there will be additional losses vs 2WD.

[Gurgie]

So I can run "4WD" without any real penalty to fuel consumption unless the Sequoia determines that 4WD is needed?

I am sure that there will be a penalty for running in AWD. You'd be sending half the power down a separate driveline so there will be additional losses vs 2WD.

But does it de-couple at highway speeds? Pretty sure my JGC goes into RWD mainly when cruising in "auto" mode.

[tortoise]

It sounds like the center diff is engaged all the time, just not locked.

[ArticSteve]

Good to know. So I can run "4WD" without any real penalty to fuel consumption unless the Sequoia determines that 4WD is needed?

NO 

Because we are going back in history here to circa 2002 I cannot be 100% of this without a pic of your tranny shifter.  Your unit has Toyota's multi mode.  It is not slip and grip and does not think for itself.

When the 4wd is NOT pushed in on the tranny shifter you are in rear wheel 2wd open diff.  When you push the fackin button in you are permanently in AWD, still open diffs.  Drive train will not bind however you drive.  Throwing the little lever into 4 from N is your low range which is locked in first only, still open diffs.  Can't remember if back then Tracs was a thing.  If you have tracs then that attempts to regulate the open diffs with the brakes.

[johngenx]

Damn, I should have done an engineering degree - but didn't, so no Sequoia for me!

 

[dkaz]

I still don’t fully understand either, but in a nutshell, just continue doing what I’m doing. 2WD unless I need extra traction.

[rrocket]

Good to know. So I can run "4WD" without any real penalty to fuel consumption unless the Sequoia determines that 4WD is needed?

NO 

Because we are going back in history here to circa 2002 I cannot be 100% of this without a pic of your tranny shifter.  Your unit has Toyota's multi mode.  It is not slip and grip and does not think for itself.

When the 4wd is NOT pushed in on the tranny shifter you are in rear wheel 2wd open diff.  When you push the fackin button in you are permanently in AWD, still open diffs.  Drive train will not bind however you drive.  Throwing the little lever into 4 from N is your low range which is locked in first only, still open diffs.  Can't remember if back then Tracs was a thing.  If you have tracs then that attempts to regulate the open diffs with the brakes.

In 2002, the Sequoia had TRAC and VSC.....

And you almost have it right (if I'm reading correctly)

Transmission lever in any setting (except "L) + 4L = is low range, 4WD OPEN DIFF.
Transmission level in "L" +4L = is low range, 4WD LOCKED DIFF.

[ktm525]

Easy to test. Put it in 4 high and do a sharp low speed circle in a parking lot (dry pavement if you can find). If no binding then your center diff is open  (or broken lol). Try the same in 4 low and do a sharp circle. It should bind.

[ArticSteve]

And you almost have it right (if I'm reading correctly)

What do you mean almost   

Well if Tracs is a thing on the 2002 Sequoia then in 4WD high the brakes will try and act like a mechanical LSD, but it doesn't work well and the ECU limits power so if you are pulling on to a highway and Tracs is happening you have very limited engine power.

Regardless, it's a pretty good system for that vintage of vehicle.  4wd high and you drive around on any surface you want at any speed.

[johngenx]

The VSC sure jumps in fast.  One thing about the TRACS with the Highlander is it has the fake-LSD programming and it works shockingly well.  I'd almost be fine with TRACS and no VSC.

[dkaz]

Costco $70 cash card and 1 cent installation with purchase of a set of 4 Michelin tires until March 24.

[dkaz]

Costco's at it again. My wife could use a new set of all season tires. I've purchased 4 sets of tires in the last 9 months, what's another? So for her, Defender T+H or Pilot Sport A/S3+? The car currently has Bridgestone Ecopias on them.

[johngenx]

We have the Defender H-rated on the Corolla and it's wet traction is astounding.  It's quiet and smooth and a very nice "touring" type of tire.

[dirtyjeffer]

it's been mentioned before, but i'll say it again, those Pilot Sport AS 3+ are great tires.

[Guy]

The Pirelli sale is Back at Costco. $80 cash card + free installation until August 25th. . Bought a set of Ice FR for my daughter Corolla.

[PJungnitsch]

How are those tires? I was debating between getting them for my Vibe or waiting for the WS90's to come on sale

[dirtyjeffer]

The Pirelli sale is Back at Costco. $80 cash card + free installation until August 25th. . Bought a set of Ice FR for my daughter Corolla.

i need new winter rubber for the Rio5, but don't want to get winter tires this early.

[Guy]

How are those tires? I was debating between getting them for my Vibe or waiting for the WS90's to come on sale

We had them on the XC60 last year and they are superb. Noise, comfort traction in snow and on Ice. I used to run Hakka's and they are as good or better; and definitively cheaper.

Bought a set of these for the XC40 and a set for the daughter's Corolla. Read the reviews, they are all very positive.

[Guy]

The Pirelli sale is Back at Costco. $80 cash card + free installation until August 25th. . Bought a set of Ice FR for my daughter Corolla.

i need new winter rubber for the Rio5, but don't want to get winter tires this early.

I know, but $140 incentive to do it early..

[ktm525]

Curious to see what the date code on those will be. If you are burning them off in 3-4 season s it may not matter but my sets are typically 8 years.