Hey folks, 98 XC70. Still has yet to snow where I am but...

came across a decent size patch of ice on a slight to mid incline. Nice and shiny ice so I got excited. I came to a complete stop with the front tires on the ice. Stepped on the gas and immediately took off. Heard minimal effort of the TRACS coming alive and within one second both front and rear tires "made" it over the ice (albeit it wasn't a large patch to begin with).

I am convinced Massachusetts will not see snow this winter (hahah) and was curious about what I experienced. I was expecting either:

1. small patch about eight foot would have triggered enough wheel spin to really activate the TRACS system and then the rear wheels?

2. with enough wheel spin, figured the Rears would have kicked on but from what I understand the awd system needs to be in distress for few seconds before this happens, and i was on the ice for about 1 second..

3. I dismiss the above two and being the car has brand new Blizzaks on it, I am getting a taste of how "good" these tires allegedly are, and minimal slip of the font tires, without AWD and without major help of tracs, i can really prove this.


So, do blizzaks really really do incredible on ice? or is there a possibility my awd is really on so each tire is getting consistent 25% power? My understanding is that normally the fronts get 95% power, rears about 5% unless there is wheel spin detected?

Since I am eagerly waiting for snow to try this car out, and since I soaked money into Blizzaks I guess I am like a kid waiting for XMas....


Regards,
Steve