Should I switch off traction control in my Mazda 626 in snow?
I have just been out and about in my Mazda 626 GSI SE in newly fallen snow - half an inch or so - and had great difficulty with spinning wheels and loss of power getting up a slight incline. The car has traction control, ABS and EBD. I had a look in various forums about the use of TC in snow. The symptoms I experienced seem to be common outcomes. My interpretation of the advice is that in snow it is useful to switch off TC when approaching an incline but otherwise leave it on. On the other hand, I did notice a loss of power when the TC came in on the flat going round a bend. Not sure that it wouldn't be better to switch it off permanently when in snow. What do you think?
Asked on 17 March 2012 by TT, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Switch it off. I've tried this on a skidpan. With TC/ESP on, the car went out of control at about 28mph. With it off, control was maintained up to about 35mph.
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