Driving on snow and ice with an automatic transmission

[haik_tut]

How should I drive on snow or ice? I have a E420 with an automatic transmission box which has several positions. Please tell me how to deal with them.

 

[waggers]

Put your 'W' winter mode setting on...which starts you off in second gear rather than 1st to give you a bit better traction. But also make use of manual down gear selections to assist with engine braking downhill rather than foot brake on splippy roads.....don't use any harsh braking or you'll be in the ditch! Take heed of other drivers, always leave plenty of space between other road users in case they decide to give a performance of Swan Lake in front of you. Adjust your driving speed according to conditions

 

[haik_tut]

W position

Thank you for your advice waggers, but the trouble is that my car doesn't have a Winter position on the transmission. There are only E and S positions.

 

[MarkSL]

Just use E - same principle as the box starts of in second gear

I think its E for economy and S is for sports - but I'm not sure !


Mark

 

[fuzzer]

S is for standard

 

[GrahamC230K]

But also make use of manual down gear selections to assist with engine braking downhill rather than foot brake on splippy roads.....

Are the manual downshifts on the auto that controled?


Changing down too harshly (locking up the rear) could be worse than just using the brakes.

 

[waggers]

Controlled by the driver! Yep..no surprises when used properly..no harsh down changes, smooth transitions....if you on ice and snow then changing down harshly would suggest driving too fast in first place? slow down and change down one at a time in plenty of time...I've never experience a lock up yet..A lock up would suggest changing down with too higher revs in first place? Drive in right gear according to conditions and you'll be fine...even with a 375bhp (modified) beast under the bonnet...

 

[haik_tut]

Thanks)

Thanks everybody for the useful information)