I have nokian tyres (same profile as summer tyres on same rims). Car (s3sb) went up t he mountain like a boss! No slippage -gave me total confidence! Many other 2wd cars with snow tyres gave up!
First experience in 10cm of snow
- Thread starter Filumo
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In heavy rain I was pleased with the way it behaved, much like my previous car which also had quattro but a bit more comforting that it has a solid stance and feel.
Did you have traction off? I would assume so.
Did you have traction off? I would assume so.
WeeDram
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Glad to hear that. We're picking up our S3 in mid-January and I was a bit worried how such a powerful car would deal with the snow. We're getting it fitted with snow tires the day we pick it up -- Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.
WeeDram
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Thanks for that tip. Neither of our current cars has traction control so I haven't paid any attention on how to use it. As an experienced winter driver I rarely get stuck. Now that we're getting it on our S3 it seemed counter-intuitive to shut it off when stuck but I've read up on it and you are absolutely right. It prevents you from rocking your way out of a hole.
It is an important distinction - ESP OFF only to help you in very specific situations, like getting out of a snow laden car park, or a very muddy field etc., where you may need to "charge" to build momentum etc., or to rock the car out of a particular spot. Even going uphill on ice/snow - in most cases, ESP ON will be better (see video below).
It would be wise to leave ESP ON or in SPORT when driving on a public road - this will undoubtedly save your bacon. I for one would not appreciate seeing you coming in the other direction spinning out of control.
Unless of course, you think you could do better than Tiff.
It would be wise to leave ESP ON or in SPORT when driving on a public road - this will undoubtedly save your bacon. I for one would not appreciate seeing you coming in the other direction spinning out of control.
Unless of course, you think you could do better than Tiff.
This is the Euro NCAP ESC test for the Audi A3.
The first run demonstrates the emergency lane change, ESP OFF.
Subsequent runs are with ESP ON
The first run demonstrates the emergency lane change, ESP OFF.
Subsequent runs are with ESP ON
WeeDram
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A few winters ago I watched a guy ahead of me foolishly brake on an icy, curved, 4-lane bridge. He spun out and ended up stopped, facing me in my lane, about 2 car lengths ahead. I glanced at his face and still remember his look of panic as he awaited the sickening crunch and deployment of air bags.
Instead I just looked where I wanted to go and steered around. Admittedly I wasn't calm, the adrenaline was pumping, but my actions were calm and controlled. Fortunately I had been traveling slowly enough to provide a margin of traction.
When I get my S3 I will definitely have the electronic nannies switched on most of the time. But I'm also going to find a vacant snowy parking lot, switch everything off and see how the car reacts. Then I'll know my limits so I can try to drive within them. I worry about people who never switch off ESC on their cars and don't really know how close to the edge they are pushing it.
Instead I just looked where I wanted to go and steered around. Admittedly I wasn't calm, the adrenaline was pumping, but my actions were calm and controlled. Fortunately I had been traveling slowly enough to provide a margin of traction.
When I get my S3 I will definitely have the electronic nannies switched on most of the time. But I'm also going to find a vacant snowy parking lot, switch everything off and see how the car reacts. Then I'll know my limits so I can try to drive within them. I worry about people who never switch off ESC on their cars and don't really know how close to the edge they are pushing it.
