Driving in Snow Mode

[jtvang125]

I've been driving in Snow Mode on and off on my current tank of gas. I'm not sure if it has contributed to the slight increase in gas mileage or is it just my change in driving habits but so far I'm at 280 miles and the gas light hasn't come on yet. On my last tank I only hit 250 before it came on but that was in Power mode. I do 50/50 driving.

The car definitely feels different driving in snow mode. It feels like I'm towing a 2 ton boat and literally have to floor it to get the transmission to drop a gear. If I switch back to power mode I'd actually get whipflash taking off at stoplights cause the throttle is so sensitive.

 

[lurk3r]

If snow mode has changed your shift points its definitely going to change your mileage. You will also see an improvement this time of year as the crap winter blend disappears.

 

[SonicIce]

never heard of snow mode

 

[rh71]

Snow mode? Is that like my Rodeo's winter drive where it starts you off in like 3rd gear to prevent wheel slip in bad traction? Can't really drive local roads like that full time.

 

[radioouman]

Maybe it is retarding the timing so that you can't cause the wheels to slip in the snow.

 

[Gand1]

My Volvo XC70 has winter mode which is basically the same thing. It changes the shift points so you have more stable starts and no wheel spin.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: rh71
Snow mode? Is that like my Rodeo's winter drive where it starts you off in like 3rd gear to prevent wheel slip in bad traction? Can't really drive local roads like that full time.

Bingo.

"Snow" or "Winter" modes will start in either 2nd or 3rd gear instead of 1st. They may also change the way the shifter selects gears.

For example, my Volvo's gearshift is labeled "PRND3L".

In "Sport" or "Econ" modes, selecting "L" locks out 3rd and 4th gears, and selecting "3" locks out 4th gear. In "Sport" or "Econ" there is no way to select first gear only.

In "Winter" mode with "D" selected, the transmission locks out 1st and 2nd gear and starts out in 3rd gear, upshifting to 4th when necessary. With "L" selected, 1st gear is locked in and there is no upshift. With "3" selected in "Winter" mode, 2nd gear is locked in and there are neither upshifts nor downshifts.

Different cars will handle this differently, but most will do something similar to what my Volvo does.

ZV

 

[fstime]

On mercedes models, it starts you in second gear, probably the same thing with you......

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: rh71
Snow mode? Is that like my Rodeo's winter drive where it starts you off in like 3rd gear to prevent wheel slip in bad traction? Can't really drive local roads like that full time.

Bingo.

"Snow" or "Winter" modes will start in either 2nd or 3rd gear instead of 1st. They may also change the way the shifter selects gears.

For example, my Volvo's gearshift is labeled "PRND3L".

In "Sport" or "Econ" modes, selecting "L" locks out 3rd and 4th gears, and selecting "3" locks out 4th gear. In "Sport" or "Econ" there is no way to select first gear only.

In "Winter" mode with "D" selected, the transmission locks out 1st and 2nd gear and starts out in 3rd gear, upshifting to 4th when necessary. With "L" selected, 1st gear is locked in and there is no upshift. With "3" selected in "Winter" mode, 2nd gear is locked in and there are neither upshifts nor downshifts.

Different cars will handle this differently, but most will do something similar to what my Volvo does.

ZV

That's why I like manuals... the "Snow" mode is my freaking right foot.... and the car's in whatever gear I put it in.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Nyati13

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: rh71
Snow mode? Is that like my Rodeo's winter drive where it starts you off in like 3rd gear to prevent wheel slip in bad traction? Can't really drive local roads like that full time.

Bingo.

"Snow" or "Winter" modes will start in either 2nd or 3rd gear instead of 1st. They may also change the way the shifter selects gears.

For example, my Volvo's gearshift is labeled "PRND3L".

In "Sport" or "Econ" modes, selecting "L" locks out 3rd and 4th gears, and selecting "3" locks out 4th gear. In "Sport" or "Econ" there is no way to select first gear only.

In "Winter" mode with "D" selected, the transmission locks out 1st and 2nd gear and starts out in 3rd gear, upshifting to 4th when necessary. With "L" selected, 1st gear is locked in and there is no upshift. With "3" selected in "Winter" mode, 2nd gear is locked in and there are neither upshifts nor downshifts.

Different cars will handle this differently, but most will do something similar to what my Volvo does.

ZV

That's why I like manuals... the "Snow" mode is my freaking right foot.... and the car's in whatever gear I put it in.

For a truck, I still like an automatic (usually greater towing capacity). And for a 4-door everyday car that I'm going to buy used and drive for a long time it's hard to find cars with a manual transmission. Spending the time to track down the rare S70 T5 with a manual just isn't worth it. Especially when you've already found one with the factory Dynaudio stereo.

ZV