YACT: Some questions about winter driving...

[Antoneo]

Hrmm, I was driving my parent's 2002 Honda Odyssey and noticed a few things in the snow now that the storm you guys in the upper mid-west sent is upon us. First time winter driver so I took things very slowly and cautiously. I'm not a car nut, not yet at least, so you'll have to be the guys from CarTalk for me.

After accelerating to about 20 or so and I step on the brakes to slow down, the brake pedal shudders and a dull/noisy series of "thudd-thudd-thudd" is heard. There is about 1 inch of snow on the ground. What exactly am I hearing? I also hear this while I am parallel parking.

Do you guys find the traction control system (TCS) better on or on while driving in the snow? I think on the Odyssey, the TCS is off by default and I have to press the button to turn it on.

Mmm... that's all the questions I have right now.

 

[Pepsi90919]

ABS

 

[spidey07]

that is your anti-lock brakes working.

when driving in snow push the pedal all the way down and keep it there to brake effectively.

and yes, engage your traction control

 

[TechnoKid]

Thats the ABS kicking in.

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: Antoneo
Hrmm, I was driving my parent's 2002 Honda Odyssey and noticed a few things in the snow now that the storm you guys in the upper mid-west sent is upon us. First time winter driver so I took things very slowly and cautiously. I'm not a car nut, not yet at least, so you'll have to be the guys from CarTalk for me.

After accelerating to about 20 or so and I step on the brakes to slow down, the brake pedal shudders and a dull/noisy series of "thudd-thudd-thudd" is heard. There is about 1 inch of snow on the ground. What exactly am I hearing? I also hear this while I am parallel parking.

Do you guys find the traction control system (TCS) better on or on while driving in the snow? I think on the Odyssey, the TCS is off by default and I have to press the button to turn it on.

Mmm... that's all the questions I have right now.

DO NOT PRESS THE BUTTON! When it is constantly lit, that means the Traction Control is OFF! When TCS is needed that will blink.

 

[Emrys]

And remember, SUVs don't stop/handle any better on ice than a car (seems to be one of the most common misconceptions- *confused). Just take things a little slower and slow down by taking your foot of the gas earlier so you have to brake less.

 

[atiyeh]

that thudding noise is basically ABS pumping the brakes for you.