Should I switch off my Audi A4's ESP to improve control in snow and ice?
I bought a new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (211) Multitronic in May last year. In winter weather I missed my old 2.5 auto X-Type, which had AWD and seemed much more sure-footed. I have found the A4 difficult to control on snow and ice. It has been suggested that this would be improved by switching off the ESP in such conditions. Is this correct?
Compared with previous automatic cars I have owned, I have also found the Audi difficult to control at very slow speeds, as when parking in a tight space. Is this simply a symptom of the CVT gearbox or should I complain to the dealer? In today's ST you mentioned the need to allow turbocharged engines to tick over for a minute before switching off when very hot. Is this for diesels only or should it also apply to this car? By the way, it seems to use a hell of a lot of oil.
Compared with previous automatic cars I have owned, I have also found the Audi difficult to control at very slow speeds, as when parking in a tight space. Is this simply a symptom of the CVT gearbox or should I complain to the dealer? In today's ST you mentioned the need to allow turbocharged engines to tick over for a minute before switching off when very hot. Is this for diesels only or should it also apply to this car? By the way, it seems to use a hell of a lot of oil.
Asked on 6 December 2010 by JM, Bourne End
Answered by
Honest John
Yes, switch off ESP in snow and ice. It helps you in the rain, but it actually fights your reactions in slides on snow and ice, as I was instructed and discovered for myself on the Porsche skidpan at Silverstone.
The Audi A4 B8 2.0TFSI Multitronic offers braking effect on descents. But the only way you can remain in full control of an automatic car in tight spaces is to left foot brake. The turbo will be water-cooled. But after ascending long hills you should let it idle for a minute or two before switching off.
The Audi A4 B8 2.0TFSI Multitronic offers braking effect on descents. But the only way you can remain in full control of an automatic car in tight spaces is to left foot brake. The turbo will be water-cooled. But after ascending long hills you should let it idle for a minute or two before switching off.
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