Traction slipping on gentle corners

[Reidan]

So, we have been in a major drought here in Atlanta since before I purchased my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLC Z71. Been raining pretty good now for about 4 days. First real rain in about 4 months. I have been feeling my rear end wanting to slide sideways on turns.

 

I am not taking turns at high speeds. I am not hard braking into the turn. I am not nailing the accelerator coming out of the turn. But, I feel it want to slide sideways on me.

 

Running in 2wd. I have the Goodyear 20" Factory Tires. Have about 3,400 miles on the truck, so over 90% tread life left.

 

So do you think the oil build up on the roads, after having almost no rain for 4 months, is making the roads extra slick? Or, these tires just crap and have no grip?

 

I searched the forums before starting this thread. No hits. But did see one thread where someone asked about which 4x4 mode to use for bad weather and members recommended Auto 4x4 for wet roads. I have never had any problems driving in rain in my 2003 Avalanche Z66 or 1993 Silverado, both 4x2. So had not even thought of needing to use it now.

 

I have not tried the Auto mode yet as I just searched it tonight.

 

This is my first 4x4 truck. Only time I use 4x4 is going to and from my cabin in North GA which has a washboard gravel road that has some steep grades. Main reason why I even purchased the new truck as my Avalanche only had 120K miles on it. But it had traction problems driving that road to the cabin. Just bought the cabin earlier this year too.

[kstruckcountry]

Or, these tires just crap and have no grip?

If they're the SR-A's, yes. Mine were garbage.

[Willyone]

Hhmmm... My '16 Z71 handles like a mouse with sneakers on, even on wet roads 99% of the time. Mine has the 18" rims with Duelers. Guess tires could be the difference? But yes, in your case could be a little oil and other debris build up on the roads too I guess making things a little slick. We've had plenty of rain here + some snow, so could be the roads are a bit cleaner. 4wd isn't going to help much in the sliding department if your ass end is trying to pass your front end. Think I'd slow down a little while cornering. Also, check your tire pressure and see if it's where it should be. Under inflated tires would induce poor handling.

[kstruckcountry]

Even Goodyear's own site admits the SR-A's aren't good at anything.

 

https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/wrangler-sr-a/reviews

[LongrangeLauber]

Or if they are the Eagle LS-2 tires they suck too

[mjoekingz28]

Maybe the tires aren't broken in.

[GsBowtie]

Well i can feel the op's pain. My truck has 10,500 miles on it now and in the rain on wet roads, you do need to be careful. I have the garbage SR-As, and i drive my truck like there's an egg on the gas pedal (like a grandpa)

 

I'm an old school posi rear guy. I'm NOT impressed at all with the G80 locker in my truck. Most times it does not lock. I'd much rather have a posi rear again. I didn't have this problem in the trucks i had with posi rears

[Knotsure]

The auto 4wd function certainly does help with exactly this OP. It may cost you an mpg or two but other than that you are good to go. Throw it in 4auto and you won't have that problem. It only really helps from a take off at lights or turns, so when at regular or highway speeds continue to drive cautiously.

 

 

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[jerniganbrandon]

I had the Goodyear SR-As on my 2015 Sierra. They got me through a Colorado winter, however they were pretty terrible in rain. I didn't experience the backend sliding on soft corners, so maybe the roads are a bit slick from oil? It was mostly just accelerating when I had issues.

 

 

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[Andy Seibel]

But did see one thread where someone asked about which 4x4 mode to use for bad weather and members recommended Auto 4x4 for wet roads.

 

A few members with heavy feet and no weight in the rear end may have recommended this but it is not the consensus. Knotsure already said, auto (or 4wd) really only help you while accelerating. Assuming you are going relatively the same speed around a corner, it would have no affect on your traction. If your tires are actually sliding, they are crap or your roads are too oily. Putting it in 4wd or auto won't change that. I have made it through one winter plowing snow on the factory crap tires, and i did just fine. I'll admit, I can break them loose on wet pavement when accelerating from a stop, but I can just as well prevent it by being more cautious. I have never once felt like my ass end was going to lose it around a corner in wet conditions.

You are responsible for driving according to the conditions. If wet, oily roads are your condition, you may have to adjust your driving accordingly.

[Reidan]

Now that I think about it, the back of the Sierra is a lot lighter than my last 2 trucks. The Avalanche had the bed side sails, side pockets, and a short bed. The rear wheels were closer to the cab. My old Silverado was a long bed and had a camper that had a wedge shape that allowed the air to push down on the rear wheels. And I almost always had something being hauled to add weight. So the back end of both trucks had more weight on the rear wheels to keep the tires from loosing traction.

So, I do agree that I will need to adjust my driving style. And, I will try to use 4x4 auto next time it rains. Today the sun is out again. But I am sure that it will not take too long before it rains again now that winter is here. Might even throw some bags of concrete in the back!

[Reidan]

Yes, my tires are the Goodyear SR-A's. Do not really want to replace them until they are worn out.

[BigBadSierra]

Yes, my tires are the Goodyear SR-A's. Do not really want to replace them until they are worn out.

Just use Auto in the rain.

 

That's what I did on my 2014 until I wore them out. I put Duratrac's on after that and never had an issue again in 2WD unless I made it spin ha ha.

 

I didn't even need the 4x4 when it was snowing I could get through the snow well enough.

 

I would use the 4x4 though just to be safe

[Silverado Steve]

Wait...i thought it was consensus on this baord that if you need 4wd auto in rain=terrible driver? So 4wd auto in rain is ok now? Nobody wants to be a terrible driver now do they? (Puts on flame suit)

[newdude]

Hmm...I'm taking the roads side on this...I've had some high speed cornering in my 15 HD (LT265/70/17 Bridgestone Duravis OE tire) and my 12 1/2 ton (OE 265/65/18 Dueler). Neither felt loose or wanted to slide in a corner, and I'm talking highway speeds on corners that have 40-45mph warning signs. I've hit them at 60+ many times wet and dry. Those 275 wide 20"s should have more grip than either of the two I had/have.