the automatic car that loves to dance on ice

hothothot_3

vikingaero wrote: »

The snowflake button isn't just for really serious situations. If it helps you move off on ice then use it. That's what it's there for! Whoever told you it was only for serious situations is wrong. We've had automatic Vauxhalls for years.

On normal roads just leave it in D. One tip for driving an automatic on snow/ice is that when you approach a junction on snow/ice covered roads, push the gear selector from D to N, so that there isn't any engine force trying to push you against your brakes and sliding into traffic.

The Traction Control light does flicker when the TC is active. I think on Vauxhalls that it only illuminates constantly when ESP intervenes.

very good tip about N. but I was told it is dangerous to switch out of gear and into N whilst the car is still moving?

rictus123

Drive to the conditions and you will be fine?

continualdiamond

You just have to drive to the conditions, putting your foot down is of course going to make the tyres spin and take you forever to go anywhere. Each car is obviously different and you just need to get used to what you can and cannot do when pulling off from being stationary.

I have a vectra that has a new thing to me with automatics. I have of course, P, R and D but then i also have a gear selection to the left of it, meaning i can have it in 1st, then nudge it into 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th.

So i do not have the usual 1 and 2 that like someone else said it used for towing etc. I am yet to try it out as just used to using D, but OH likes this other option.

I have the tranction control off, however in my previous car (saab) tranction control would kick it quite a bit and do the flashing of lights thing someone else mentioned. Can't remember if my saab had it, but my vectra does, the snow button and i find this very useful.

For me though id rather go at a snail pace than rush off quickly anywhere. I just give myself some extra time, especially getting out of the village i live in 1st thing in a morning judgment wise on distance of the car coming, what i might know to be okay to go in the warmer months, wouldn't be okay in the snow/ice due to being a slower speed to get out.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Selecting 2 or 3 will make no difference, as those positions limit the gears to which the car will operate in. It'll still start in first.

You either have to disengage traction control and select a winter mode for the gearbox (so it starts in 2nd or 3rd gear), or look at other methods, such as loading the boot with weight (in a RWD car), putting winter tyres on, or simply not bothering with the car until its safer to drive.

pitkin2020

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

or simply not bothering with the car until its safer to drive.

Why is it in britain a little bit of snow falls and the country comes to a stand still, it really isn't that difficult driving on snow, you just have to be more gentle and dont make sharp or sudden accelerating / braking, even in an automatic you still have to be gentle

pitkin2020

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Selecting 2 or 3 will make no difference, as those positions limit the gears to which the car will operate in. It'll still start in first.

You either have to disengage traction control and select a winter mode for the gearbox (so it starts in 2nd or 3rd gear), or look at other methods, such as loading the boot with weight (in a RWD car), putting winter tyres on, or simply not bothering with the car until its safer to drive.

maybe you should check your facts before giving people advice because you clearly are the one who does not know what you are talking about, and i take a quote from the AA site

If you have an automatic, then under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern autos have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you're not sure

now who is likely to take your advice over a proffessional motoring organisation???

movilogo

it really isn't that difficult driving on snow,

The law of physics states that normal summer tyres have little frictional resistance at freezing temperature.

The Scandinavian and central European countries fare much better in winter because everyone uses winter tyres there. It is a law there AFAIK.

Try driving a car on snow with winter tyres (be it manual/auto/FWD/RWD/4x4 whatever) and you will be amazed at the improved grip.

pitkin2020

movilogo wrote: »

The law of physics states that normal summer tyres have little frictional resistance at freezing temperature.

The Scandinavian and central European countries fare much better in winter because everyone uses winter tyres there. It is a law there AFAIK.

Try driving a car on snow with winter tyres (be it manual/auto/FWD/RWD/4x4 whatever) and you will be amazed that the improved grip.

i couldnt agree more, thats why i do have winter tyres normally but as i only bought my recent car a few months ago i havent got a set of steels with winter tyres on yet, not that i use them much in north devon, but i have been out in the couple of inches of snow we have had today with normal tyres and havent lost traction at all, probably because i drive steady in the slow and i anticipate whats going on in front me

movilogo

Another good winter driving tip is that drive as if you have no brake (and possibly you don't anyway)

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

pitkin2020 wrote: »

maybe you should check your facts before giving people advice because you clearly are the one who does not know what you are talking about, and i take a quote from the AA site

If you have an automatic, then under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern autos have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you're not sure

now who is likely to take your advice over a proffessional motoring organisation???

Well done on making yourself look like an idiot.

The OP's question was with regard to setting off from standstill with an automatic gearbox, which selecting 1, 2, or 3 on the gearbox selector will do precisely !!!! all to help.

The AA's advice is mostly regarding engine braking once moving, and reducing the likelihood of losing traction when slowing.