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Poor traction, wheel spin, or slipping in wet or snowy conditions: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing poor traction, wheel spin, or slipping in wet or snowy conditions, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Worn Tiresurgent

Tires with low tread depth or an improper seasonal compound cannot effectively channel water or grip snow, leading to hydroplaning and wheel spin.

Worn Shock Absorbers or Strutsaddress soon

Worn suspension components allow the wheels to bounce over uneven surfaces, reducing the tire's contact patch and grip on slippery roads.

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensoraddress soon

If a wheel speed sensor fails, the vehicle's traction control system cannot detect wheel slip to intervene, leaving you with poor traction.

Inoperative 4WD/AWD Systemaddress soon

If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD or AWD, a failed transfer case motor will prevent power from being sent to all four wheels, severely reducing winter traction.

Worn Limited Slip Differential Clutchesmaintenance

In RWD or 4WD vehicles, worn differential clutches prevent power from transferring to the wheel with the most grip, causing the slipping wheel to spin freely.

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