Passat couldnt go up my driveway in blizzard out in NJ Traction control question!

[tadawson]

You are exactly correct, and your experience is identical to mine growing up/driving in Northern MI. I can't recall ever getting stuck, and never bothered with 4wd - cold dry snow just isn't a problem.

- Tim

 

[yamaguy]

Interestingly enough, I've read somewhere (I believe it was a VW response to an email asking why they didn't include the switch on our NMS) you're supposed to be able to defeat the TC on our cars just by continuously gassing. Apparently the computer is supposed to understand that you are trying to override it.

As I was reading this thread, I kept wonderng why I have never had this experience with the TC till I read your post. Almost anytime the TC activates I put the hammer down! I think it is just my natural reaction to the engine cutting power... Everytime I drive the P in the snow/ice I am amazed at how well it does even with the stock Hancooks.

 

[1alfie]

Last night I had to plow through some snow that was halfway up the lower grille, and a standing start up a slight grade to boot. I shifted the tranny (DSG) to manual and had much better results than my previous experiences. I was able to rip through like in the old days.

The Traction Control light still blinked on the dash, and I felt some of the typical brakes/cutting throttle. But nothing like before when I left it in auto.

The snow was deep enough that I was already running through my list of who I would call to tow me out, getting the tow hook out of the trunk, etc.

I've had DSG transmissions in my last three cars. Putting the car in manual, I've had no problem climbing my driveway in snow/ice covered conditions. Granted, I have Bridgestone ice/snow tires, I'm convinced the DSG transmission is the difference maker.

 

[cevans]

You are exactly correct, and your experience is identical to mine growing up/driving in Northern MI. I can't recall ever getting stuck, and never bothered with 4wd - cold dry snow just isn't a problem.

- Tim

The stuff we had two weeks ago was different. The snow fell when it was in the single digits, contrary to the "its too cold to snow" theory. It didn't "crunch" when you drove over it, it was way too light, you just slipped. It was a unique experience for me, driving.

 

[Dismayed]

I put snow tires on my car here in Boston - no worries. "All Season" tires are not for serious winter driving.

 

[cholmes100]

Here's the thing. TC or not. If you get stuck and you can't defeat the TC then your hooped 'cause you can't spin the tires. I Live in Nova Scotia and I am plenty used to driving in snow. I got stuck in my Passat the other day in the entrance to my street. I could not get out because the stupid TC would cut the engine and apply brakes. Keep in mind this is not what TC is for. I had to shovel the road in order to get out. You can bet I will be unhooking this somehow or at least be able to switch off. I have a Mercedes with same thing and it will not move if it spins its wheels but hit the switch and the way you go no problem.

 

[weebl]

Here's the thing. TC or not. If you get stuck and you can't defeat the TC then your hooped 'cause you can't spin the tires. I Live in Nova Scotia and I am plenty used to driving in snow. I got stuck in my Passat the other day in the entrance to my street. I could not get out because the stupid TC would cut the engine and apply brakes. Keep in mind this is not what TC is for. I had to shovel the road in order to get out. You can bet I will be unhooking this somehow or at least be able to switch off. I have a Mercedes with same thing and it will not move if it spins its wheels but hit the switch and the way you go no problem.

There are write ups on how to add a disable switch. Simple procedure, just takes some time from what I've read. You can use a VW switch, or any momentary on/off switch from what I understand. I got the VW button for Christmas, just haven't gotten around to adding it. I've been able to power through some deeper snow without issue, so this hasn't been a rush for me, I will just wait for nice weather in the spring instead of trying to do it now in a cold garage with slush and dirty water all over the cold concrete.

P.S. This is also a thread over a year old that you've revived.

 

[vw2011]

Own 2012 Passat tdi DSG ,have traction control off switch installed, winter tires also ,short answer if you put winter set of tires do not worry about traction control I never used mine to switch off

 

[Ramairetransam]

im the opposite of vw2011 , i have a 2012 tdi dsg passat and now that i did the tcs diasable i find myself driving with it off all the time . The tcs is way too intrusive on this car. I too have brand new studded snows 215 65 16 for some extra sidewall and ground clearance. A few weeks ago my steep driveway wasnt cleaned off yet as i just got home from work . i started going up and wasnt gonna make it , remembered the tcs off switch as i recently installed it and shut it off rpms and wheel speed came up and i made it .

Its so worth it , and it took about 2 hrs to do it .

 

[autoxerwgn]

Well, I'm glad I don't recommend those Pirelli's to customers at work. They do rate well, and with full tread don't appear to be too bad. Thing is, if you look closer at the tread, most of the sipes disappear only a few 32nds down the tread. At 6-7/32, they are essentially slicks.

For example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Pirelli...s_Car_Truck_Tires&hash=item4633f94c49&vxp=mtr

Plenty of tread depth clearly visible, but most of the sipes are already worn away. Very poor design if you ask me.

Continental Extreme Contact DWS and Continental Pure Contact do pretty well if you are set on using all season tires in the winter. As others have said though, even the best A/S tire will never be as good as a good winter tire in the snow and ice.