Traction Control: Who keeps it on in the snow?

"Lekker" (z34nismo)
03/04/2014 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

Yesterday something interesting happened, as I was driving to work with some decently fresh snow I lost traction doing 40 on a 2 lane (per side) street. I personally keep my TC off since last time I lost traction, I cut power on me and almost caused me to go off the freeway (I was on a ramp). So I always keep it off. When I was sliding around I was able to use my loud pedal to regain control but only after browning my pants.

My question to you guys, who trusts their Traction Control enough to keep it on while driving in the snow? For the record, my car is not made for snow so it makes sense in my mind to turn it off, especially as I don't like the car deciding when it needs power or not.

DISCUSSION (72)

spanfucker retire bitch > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:32

I always keep my TC on when driving in snow, unless I'm trying to blow through a particularly large pile of it. Like what the plow leaves at the end of the drive way. Once I'm on the road though, I always leave TC on.

I can absolutely feel it working to my advantage.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:34

For my cars that have traction control, I always turn it off immediately when driving in the snow.

Agrajag > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:35

I turn it off as well.

Party-vi > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:35

The only instance when I need to turn my TC off was when I got stuck going uphill. Some jackass in a new Mazda 6 was going about 15mph up my street and finally decided to turn off, but that was after they came to a fucking stop to make a right-hand turn. Left with no momentum and my TC cutting power I had to push my little fun-button and power through the snow. The sound my car made was glorious as we triumphed over winter!

buford-t-justice > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:39

I keep it off

how do I get authorship? would like to post a few things.

cheers

McMike > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:39

My traction control is variable.

Kinja'd!!!

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:39

I leave it on if I'm not in a situation where I need it off. It's actually surprisingly lenient in my car, it really doesn't intrude too much. I've only had one instance where it cut in and gave me real problems.

jariten1781 > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:40

Depends on the car.

On my 04 Mazda 6 traction control was horrible in the snow. It invaded all the time and when it cut power it was extreme. It was always off.

On the Fiesta ST and 10 GTI it's not too bad and when the power cuts it's much more fluid. I leave it on.

yamahog > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 09:44

Traction control? Look at Mr. Fancypants over here!

Seriously though, when did TC become common? The newest car I've owned was a 2004 Explorer which did not have it so I'm guessing sometime in the last ten years. They had it on the 2013 Challenger R/T I got to drive for a week, but I just always left it off because obvious.

Lekker > McMike
03/04/2014 at 10:03

Oh you, smarty pants. Of course I know how to drive a stick. I was just making a point really about conditions when a TC would have a hard time. No, not your foot haha.

OPPOsaurus WRX > buford-t-justice
03/04/2014 at 10:04

you need to ask the right people at the right time. In the last week or so there was a post about OPPO rules and regs. Within that post were the names of the moderators. Go chase one of those guys down.

Lekker > Party-vi
03/04/2014 at 10:04

I had to do the same while driving through Colorado, except the moron that stopped had AWD and saw no problem with stoppin

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:04

I generally leave mine on unless the situation is icey. It's not very intrusive (2000 buick lesabre), and does a good job of keeping me from losing traction during cornering by reducing wheel slip on the outside wheel. I usually have to turn it off if I'm just setting off in the morning, or if I end up bogging down, but for general driving around I leave it activated.

Lekker > yamahog
03/04/2014 at 10:05

I think it was around 2009, but I could be mistaken.

DollaMoneyAve > buford-t-justice
03/04/2014 at 10:05

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/the-revised-ha…

Lekker > jariten1781
03/04/2014 at 10:06

That is exactly what I mean. My Z's TC cuts power very aggressively when it detects wheel spin AND angle changes.

willkinton247 > yamahog
03/04/2014 at 10:06

I think it became mandated in 2010. And actually, it's been incredibly effective in preventing accidents.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:06

If you turn TC off does that disable ABS too or is that a separate button or just not an option? I've just started experimenting with it on and off mainly because i'm still getting used to the new car. I had never had TC and it almost made me brown myself when it first engaged especially since its a manual. I think i'll wait until I have proper snow tires before I really get into things.

Lekker > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
03/04/2014 at 10:07

This. throughout the winter I have turned it off as soon as I get in the car. Most people ask me why, and as I explain they go .. "ooooooooooooooooh"

DollaMoneyAve > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:07

Turning off traction control is part of my routine. Clutch in, turn key, seatbelt on, TC off, radio on. Every time

Lekker > Jayhawk Jake
03/04/2014 at 10:08

What was the scenario?

And I've only ever had it cut in on me twice. Once while taking a turn too vigorously (rear came loose, nice little power slide until TC cut off power and I was left pointing in the wrong direction) and the other while on the freeway ramp.

willkinton247 > yamahog
03/04/2014 at 10:08

Numerous studies around the world confirm that ESC is highly effective in helping the driver maintain control of the car, thereby saving lives and reducing the severity of crashes. [24] In the fall of 2004 in the U.S., the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration confirmed the international studies, releasing results of a field study in the U.S. of ESC effectiveness. The NHTSA in United States concluded that ESC reduces crashes by 35%. Additionally, Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with stability control are involved in 67% fewer accidents than SUVs without the system.

Lekker > buford-t-justice
03/04/2014 at 10:09

There are some threads to request authorship, I believe I requested it on a post by Nobody . And yes, that is/was his username.

Lekker > spanfucker retire bitch
03/04/2014 at 10:09

I feel it as well but that is at low speeds. At high speeds I feel like it hinders my car control a little better (again, as you mentioned this is only in the snow).

willkinton247 > yamahog
03/04/2014 at 10:10

The United States was next, requiring ESC for all passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds (4536 kg), phasing in the regulation starting with 55% of 2009 models (effective 1 September 2008), 75% of 2010 models, 95% of 2011 models, and all 2012 models

More Citations

Lekker > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/04/2014 at 10:11

General normal driving I agree with. But specifically in the snow tho I keep mine off. I wish we all had the system Evo's have to select the terrain you're in.

Lekker > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/04/2014 at 10:12

Most of the time ABS can only be disabled by removing a particular fuse.

Yeah mine is a manual car too, and I didn't expect it to cut power so abruptly. It truly does make for some browned clothing.

Lekker > DollaMoneyAve
03/04/2014 at 10:12

Yes. That is what I am doing as of late. I feel more at one with the car.

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:13

Trying to cross a slushy snowy road from a stop. It was cutting in and killing power, I couldn't accelerate until I shut it off. Scary because there were cars coming from either direction.

Lekker > Jayhawk Jake
03/04/2014 at 10:17

That is terrifying.

We should all just have access to big off-roaders when it hits winter in places that get snow.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:17

Definitely off on a RWD. But I'm wondering if it would be better to keep it on when FWD.

The Compromiser > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:18

I use it to keep from becoming a statistic. RWD tank. I needs the TC to even leave an intersection sometimes because Canada. Also because lead foot. I've learned when it is going to kick in and use it to control power slides that are going to go bad.

That being said, I've also turned it off and taken some traffic circles at speed when no one is around.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:18

It snowed within a week of me getting the car so I had only had a few drives under my belt. I was still really new to the manual so I thought I had done something very wrong pulling out of the driveway

yamahog > willkinton247
03/04/2014 at 10:19

Thanks for the background! I don't doubt it's safer, but I haven't been in the new car market so I didn't know it was mandated.... Looks like I've exposed myself as a poor, such shame!

McMike > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:21

I was just making a "my-car-is-so-old-it-doesn't-have-TC" joke and that was the first photo I found of a man's foot.

Milky > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:23

Yea I'm with you, read you have a Z and I have a Crossfire so snow is what they are aimed for.

I almost always have it off because it likes to cut power too much. Sometimes you want some wheel spin to make up a driveway or something, or in situations like you said. I do however turn it back on when I'm doing like 70-80 of the freeway. Thats when I want the safety net there, hit a little ice patch and cut power? Thats totally okay with me.

buford-t-justice > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:24

thanks

Lekker > The Compromiser
03/04/2014 at 10:24

I have a RWD car as well, and that is why it scares me. My car does not have snow shoes on, but the snow was not that bad. And I am with you, I sometimes leave it on in the dry, since I forget I am not a drift master asI try to over-steer in turns.

Lekker > Milky
03/04/2014 at 10:26

Oh nice! I think you meant snow is not what they're aimed for haha.

I totally get your point too, I just haven't had that happen yet. That I don't do 70-80 in those conditions haha I stay below 70 since I know my tires are not meant for that type of weather.

Milky > yamahog
03/04/2014 at 10:26

Neither of my Jeeps had it, but my last 2 cars have had it, a '92 & '04.

I think it just depends on what your driving. I don't think anything big & merican got it until the mandate.

Lekker > McMike
03/04/2014 at 10:27

Oh haha I thought you were legit scolding me for not being able to control things with my loud foot.

Milky > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:29

Damn … forgetting to type key words really throws off what you're trying to say! But yea thats what I meant.

Lekker > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/04/2014 at 10:30

Nice, is it safe to assume based on your name you have a WRX?

midengineer > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:35

Traction control? Whats that?

Lekker > midengineer
03/04/2014 at 10:35

Magic Pixies that take your clothing and stain it brown

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:44

Yep, its a hatchback too. i drove two explorers before this. very different driving experience.

McMike > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:46

No, no, I never legit scold in oppo unless someone is going to get hurt.

Oversteer on, my brother.

Lekker > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/04/2014 at 10:47

Hey congrats on the ride! Year? Pics? Unless you have a thread with your ride details haha.

Yeah WRX's are such a different beast to drive. Even coming from another utilitarian/fun car, they feel different. It is a fun and safe car.

The Compromiser > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:48

I have Snows on it. I learned in my old Protégé 5 that they are worth it. My Charger is a tank so I need the wind back button (Or as I referred to it since I tried driving in a spirited fashion during the test drive in the rain, The " Don't Push That" Button) because once it goes, it keeps going. Momentum (And my lead foot).

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:51

I should just get proper snow tires.

Seriously, the Sonic is pretty awful at snow. It's light, sits low, has relatively narrow tires, and a short wheel base. The worst is the piles of snow that form at intersections, turning onto streets is an adventure in sliding.

Lekker > The Compromiser
03/04/2014 at 10:54

Snow shoes for Tasha (that's my Z's name) are not worth it since snow season here in Kansas is almost done from what I understand. That and I am moving back to where the temperature during the day rarely drops below 109F, so snow shoes would be as useful as a parka. Oh good ol' inertia. Made me slide to the middle of a four way light (Giggity) before sliding onto my street. I found it better just to shift down and let the engine do progressive braking. The lead foot tho, will get me in trouble one of these days. Still ticket free (I'd say accident free, but I got rear-ended because I was able to react so quick to a situation).

Lekker > Jayhawk Jake
03/04/2014 at 10:56

OMG I know! Mine is just crap at snow. It is however very similar: low. Lol. I have a Z and I will admit it is useless without snow shoes. I literally have to engine brake like 50ft (or start 100ft before) a light. Yesterday I slid so much, I felt I might as well get ice-skates on it and call it a day.

Lekker > McMike
03/04/2014 at 10:57

Keep true to Oppo, achieve opposite lock!

Audi-os, amigos > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:58

The best control you've got in the snow is engine braking.

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 10:58

At least you'd expect a Z to suck at snow. I didn't expect mine to be bad. FWD and reasonable power? It'll be great! No...it's not great...

Lekker > Audi-os, amigos
03/04/2014 at 10:59

Clever name.

And yes, I was exactly just saying that regarding stopping in slidy bits.

Lekker > Jayhawk Jake
03/04/2014 at 11:00

I would expect that to handle better. That is surprising, I truly do think its the lack of weight. Have you tried putting a few sand bags in the car?

McMike > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 11:02

Snowoppo is the only oppo I know.

Kinja'd!!!

Hell, it's the only wheelspin I get.

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 11:02

You mean besides my 210 pounds of fury? No. It would probably help, but then I have to have sand in my car. I'm planning on getting snow tires next winter, hopefully it helps.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 11:02

safe was one of my selling points to my wife. Conveniently it was right at the time that Subaru was running the "they lived" commercials. We got stuck behind a slow car and she finally warmed up to the fun part when I blasted past them. I'd love to post a picture but 1. its been snowing so much since I bought it its been covered in road salts and 2. any time I try to load a picture the load wheel just spins. I don't know why its happening like that because at one point I could upload pictures.

Audi-os, amigos > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 11:02

TC is super helpful in transitioning from STOPPED to ROLLING.

Moving from ROLLING to CRUISING, I turn off TC but upshift early and often to decrease the torque being laid down.

Lekker > Jayhawk Jake
03/04/2014 at 11:03

Pft, my 230 pounds of savagery don't help either.

What do you plan on getting? I've heard a lot about either Blizzaks or Continental DWS Extreme

Jayhawk Jake > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 11:06

No idea. Blizzaks seem to be the most popular choice. I haven't done the research yet

Lekker > Audi-os, amigos
03/04/2014 at 11:06

What I find interesting is that I had the most problems with it in the opposite scenarios. I had problems with it while starting since it would cut too much power and I obviously just needed to rock back and forth a little more, and spin my wheel just enough to get momentum. And I did scare myself once, since Rev Match decided to blip the throttle while downshifting and the tires started spinning (RWD).

Moral of the story: Engine brake and be careful.

The Compromiser > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 12:35

109F? Can I just say Fuck You?

JK, I'm Canadian. We don't do or say those kind of things.. I am Jelly Though.

Lekker > The Compromiser
03/04/2014 at 12:40

Have you been in 109 weather before? That's usually at night, with hair-dryer-like-wind. It seriously is uncomfortable. Last year we were in the 115's for a while.

BigBlock440 > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 14:15

I used to, but as I've gotten more used to it (first vehicle with TC), I've come to like it. It's like using split brakes. It also depends on how much traction you've got to begin with. Good tires and I love it, go anywhere in a FWD sedan. Bald tires and you're not going anywhere without some wheelspin. That's my experience with this vehicle.

The Compromiser > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 14:46

I've been into the 105s, but not that close to 110. I bet it has it's own problems. At least freezing to death isn't one of them. I've had Hypothermia and Heat Stroke (thank you Canadian Forces ) and I would rather have the heat kill me.

To be fair it's been brutally cold up here this year for longer periods than I recall. I may be a little biased.

Lekker > The Compromiser
03/04/2014 at 15:58

Yeah, same reason I am biased against the heat and for the cold. Dehydration, Heat Stroke, and just plain old heat exhaustion. Not many people are aware, but you can get massive headaches just from the heat.

Also something most people don't think about, we all have our beaters. Some are cheap, some are not. My first car had no AC, and I bought it in the middle of summer. Can you imagine what it's like to get in a car with black leather that has been sitting in 110+ weather for over 6 hours? Massively uncomfortable. Know how most people warm up their cars? We have to cool them down, and it takes a lot longer than warming them up. Just in general, being in 110 degree weather for a long time really really gets to you. Don't get me wrong, I was there for 7 years. So I can handle it, but I find it much harder to handle than cold. here for example, while I'm not freezing it sure is pretty cold. I've seen negatives for over a week in a row. My point is, you can only get so naked. But it is easy to add on another jacket/scarf etc.

The Compromiser > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 16:07

I see your point but there is a time when the layers overpower the ability to move (think Staypuft marshmallow man). I'm In Ontario so we get really hot and really cold every year. If this was summer time I'd be complaining about the heat. It's a humid heat here. it doesn't have to get so high to suck really bad.

I Have the black leather, black interior issue as well. Yes it is ouchy in the heat. my old car had chrome on the top of the shifter. that wakes you up when you arent paying attention too... The scars are mostly gone now.

Lekker > The Compromiser
03/04/2014 at 16:17

I personally have never needed more than one thin jacket under a thick one (not even one of those waterproof ones, just a jacket). That was the most I needed and that was in -20 weather with heavy wind and snow.

Yes!!! I still remember grabbing my aluminium shift knob the first time I had left the car out there, and seriously left a 6-speed pattern on my palm

willgar > Lekker
03/04/2014 at 18:11

Off in a Subaru. Usually the front wheels will pull their way out of trouble with a little throttle. Traction control cuts all power until it thinks all 4 wheels have grip. Which is usually after you slid into the curb.