Snow chains

[Socrates]

I have a 1991 R129 300SL. It has a button on the dash that the manual simply states is for snow chains. I switched it on this morning in the snow as an experiment (no chains fitted of course) and it appeared to reduce rear wheel spin in the snow.

Does anyone know what it actually does.

Thanks all

 

[cyps]

reduces the power delivery to the wheels
probally

 

[blassberg]

tells your traction control / esp stuff that you have chains on

 

[type49]

Neither. If you had chains fitted, the rear wheels need to spin to bite & get you moving. Trouble is, your traction control wants to prevent this. The snow chain button allows the wheels to spin up to (I think) 40/50KPH.