[eliminator]

Traction control can also apply brakes to a spinning wheel to transfer torque across an open differential, something that can't be done without it. Traction control limiting engine power is of limited utility.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by Solstodur

What, and make it harder to control? The traction control was making it very dangerous to drive in snow. It's pretty good for when you aren't expecting it, but when you make an input for a specific reaction and the computer overrides it, that isn't safe.

Just to be clear - only turning it off in snowy & icy conditions.

I turn mine off only in deep-unplowed snow. The last few cars I've owned, traction control kills the throttle input when it detects wheel spin. The car won't move. It was a bit confusing the first time it happened. New car with good Nokians stopped dead climbing a steep, snow-covered hill. It acted like fuel starvation but the engine never stalled. After 10 seconds, it dawned on me what was happening. I found the button and continued on my way. If you've internalized "car doesn't move, hit the button", you can leave it enabled and only disable it when the car stops in it's tracks climbing a snow-covered hill or powering through an unplowed parking lot. I'm never anywhere near the edge of the control envelope where it would kick in.


The first time I had ABS, that was also funky. It increases your stopping distance downhill on deep, unplowed snow. Without ABS, the tires will lock up and pile snow in front of the wheels to stop the car. With ABS, the car just keeps rolling.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I turn mine off only in deep-unplowed snow. The last few cars I've owned, traction control kills the throttle input when it detects wheel spin. The car won't move. It was a bit confusing the first time it happened. New car with good Nokians stopped dead climbing a steep, snow-covered hill. It acted like fuel starvation but the engine never stalled. After 10 seconds, it dawned on me what was happening. I found the button and continued on my way.

Yup. And just think about the millions of people who don't understand this. horrible idea from car manufacturers. Good for flat areas but in CT we have too many un-noticeable hills that make a big difference when you need momentum and gas. Even for flat areas I find it annoying.


(and no, your tires don't have to spin continuously to get that momentum, lol)

[CTartist]

I just saw this on my Facebook page. It looks pretty awesome.

https://www.facebook.com/Wimpcom/videos/366083610889601

[CTartist]

Originally Posted by Cambium

Yup. And just think about the millions of people who don't understand this. horrible idea from car manufacturers. Good for flat areas but in CT we have too many un-noticeable hills that make a big difference when you need momentum and gas. Even for flat areas I find it annoying.


(and no, your tires don't have to spin continuously to get that momentum, lol)

Wow Cambium, I just noticed you have over 66,000 posts. That must be some kind of a record on here without being a moderator.

To myself it seems like I post a lot but I only have 1700+ for about five or six years. You know I trust you more than some of the weathermen and woman so it's a good thing. Whenever there is a topic that involves weather I always have to see what Cambium says about it.

BTW when is the snow coming to Fairfield County? I thought it was support to be here already.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by CTartist

Wow Cambium, I just noticed you have over 66,000 posts. That must be some kind of a record on here without being a moderator.

To myself it seems like I post a lot but I only have 1700+ for about five or six years. You know I trust you more than some of the weathermen and woman so it's a good thing. Whenever there is a topic that involves weather I always have to see what Cambium says about it.

BTW when is the snow coming to Fairfield County? I thought it was support to be here already.

Thanks, just posted something regarding that in the CT weather thread. :-)