Traction in the Snow

[Norrs2]

Has anyone noticed that the Traction is greatly improved in the Snow with the ESP switched off!?

[lynchy]

Did you ever see fifth gear when tiff drove a lambo gallardo 560-4 on snow (my next car by the way) he drove it with ESP on then off you might find it on you tube or fifth gears website

[eyeball]

yes the cars much better with it switched off, I find the ESP is way to cautious and cuts out all the fun. Must admit though I preferd my t sport quattro b5 avant in the snow as it had slightly narrower tyres and more usable power....probably cos there's 180 less horses trying to get out.lol

[stumpyrs4]

Kept it on when on slippy roads, but when there's nothing around... off it comes!

[Contigo]

ESP applies brake to individual wheels and changes throttle response if it feels slip. In the snow the system hinders your progress as it's working overtime. One thing I'm pretty sure helps out cars in the snow it the EDL (Electronic Diff lock) where it brakes the wheel that is spinning which gives drive to the other wheel which isn't spinning (in theory). ESP cannot be fully disengaged on our cars too, and I'm pretty sure the pressing once only removes the ASR (traction control) part of the eSP but leaves the EDL and stability on.

[RS4_Schumi]

The main problem on the icy roads was other idiot road users. You just don't know what to expect from some of the clowns out there - worst for me was a Lexus 4x4 who overtook me at big speed on single carriageway road, really icy and bendy - fcuking crazy driving all because he thought IT'S A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE KIDDO FOURWHEEEEELDRIIIIIVE.

[RS4_fin]

ESP applies brake to individual wheels and changes throttle response if it feels slip. In the snow the system hinders your progress as it's working overtime. One thing I'm pretty sure helps out cars in the snow it the EDL (Electronic Diff lock) where it brakes the wheel that is spinning which gives drive to the other wheel which isn't spinning (in theory). ESP cannot be fully disengaged on our cars too, and I'm pretty sure the pressing once only removes the ASR (traction control) part of the eSP but leaves the EDL and stability on.

Hi all,
my experience in winter with ESP off = stability off, traction control off.

Of the EDL, I cannot tell does it function as part of the ESP only.

[neckarsulm]

I suspect BMWs aren't better with ESP off

[eyeball]

Yes this is the BMW's new range of Winter SUV Convertables, they say the toboggan qualities are second to none.....

[timk]

The only way I've been able to drive my Merc about in the recent weather is by switching out the ESP otherwise it cuts too much power and you go nowhere! Not how I expected to drive it given there's 310bhp going through the rear wheels. Having no choice but to use it in the snow and ice has improved my car handling and oversteer abilities no end though.....

[gareth215]

I must say I was less then impressed with the RS4 in the snow, with or with out ESP on. I think the 4x4 gave ok traction but not that good and the ABS had a complete fit! I dont think the fat 255 tyres help. Not sure what the diff set up is on the RS4 but it does not seem like it has LSD,s. Imprezzs have two LSD's and no ESP and are much better in the snow then the RS4 as is my A4 tdi with winter tyres!

[rsmonkey918]

Think the tyres ARE an issue- kept my ESP on and stayed smooth with short shift and was amazed at how many 59 reg wheelspinning BM's I embarrassed- even on fairly shallow gradients- they just couldn't seem to get going before sliding sideways.... also have to factor in the weight factor of the RS when braking- had one hairy moment on the way into Guildford going downhill in Chiddingfold to find a virtually jack-knifed Renault tractor unit coming uphill sideways...... handbrake only and immediate downchange was the only way of bringing the shooting match to a timely end.... Narrower tyres as per European snow tyres are probably the way ahead if we get any more global warming weather patterns over Blighty

Cheers
Steve

[jc..]

tyres are definitely the problem in most cases.
ABS has a fit on mine too, as with Goodyear Eagle one touch and they lock! every corner in snow/ice/slush is a rally stage.
fitted some Nokian WR G2 and can't stop praising them. changed the handling in wet and snow/slush massively.

[Contigo]

I must say I was less then impressed with the RS4 in the snow, with or with out ESP on. I think the 4x4 gave ok traction but not that good and the ABS had a complete fit! I dont think the fat 255 tyres help. Not sure what the diff set up is on the RS4 but it does not seem like it has LSD,s. Imprezzs have two LSD's and no ESP and are much better in the snow then the RS4 as is my A4 tdi with winter tyres!

Must be your tyres as my Conti's are coping well and I can get pretty much anywhere in it where no 2WD car can venture. The tyres are performance tyres and less than ideal in the snow but it still manages to grip and pull up deep snow hills.

[gareth215]

I must say I was less then impressed with the RS4 in the snow, with or with out ESP on. I think the 4x4 gave ok traction but not that good and the ABS had a complete fit! I dont think the fat 255 tyres help. Not sure what the diff set up is on the RS4 but it does not seem like it has LSD,s. Imprezzs have two LSD's and no ESP and are much better in the snow then the RS4 as is my A4 tdi with winter tyres!

Must be your tyres as my Conti's are coping well and I can get pretty much anywhere in it where no 2WD car can venture. The tyres are performance tyres and less than ideal in the snow but it still manages to grip and pull up deep snow hills.

Dont get me wrong its much better then a 2WD car (on normal tyres) just not as good as other 4WD cars with limited slip differentials or narrower tyres, or not even as good as a a 2WD car (with winter tyres) in terms of braking especially.Although obviously the 4 wheel drive is a big help up hill where most 2WD cars where getting stuck (but 99% will not have had winter tyres), but no help at all coming down them!.
I think the advantage of winter tyres should not be underestimated. And not just in Snow, At any temp below 6 degree C and the compound on winter tyres is far more suited, again you will notice the difference more on a 2WD car.