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gregs210 · 12-07-2007, 10:20 PM

Hey, Debbi.

As Kent points out, W mode starts you out in second gear; it also modifies your shift points, all with a goal towards reducing wheel slippage on very slick surfaces, particularly snowy/icy/sleet-covered. However, spirited driving in any mode on any surface with less than ideal traction may well result in the flashing triangle. When you see it, that is not only a warning to slow down (not just speed, but all control inputs), it is also an indication that the car's brain has already decided that it is smarter than the brain behind the wheel and has begun actuating the many features designed to protect us from ourselves.

I don't think you would really see much benefit using it on a road that is merely wet, it would just feel really sluggish to you.

You already know this, but for the younger drivers in here I will toss in two items of note. First, the posted speed limit is typically calculated for a dry road under clear skies in daylight with a reasonable safety margin, so driving in less than optimum circumstances means don't assume the posted limit is safe. Second, the first 20 to 40 to 60 minutes after rain starts falling following a decent time period of no rain offer very limited traction and are quite hazardous, so if you must drive under those circumstances them use extreme caution and yes, engage Winter mode.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

12-07-2007, 10:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
gregs210 BenzWorld Elite Date registered: Mar 2005 Vehicle: '01-E320 & 02-ST2 Location: Adrift on an island... Posts: 8,306	Hey, Debbi. As Kent points out, W mode starts you out in second gear; it also modifies your shift points, all with a goal towards reducing wheel slippage on very slick surfaces, particularly snowy/icy/sleet-covered. However, spirited driving in any mode on any surface with less than ideal traction may well result in the flashing triangle. When you see it, that is not only a warning to slow down (not just speed, but all control inputs), it is also an indication that the car's brain has already decided that it is smarter than the brain behind the wheel and has begun actuating the many features designed to protect us from ourselves. I don't think you would really see much benefit using it on a road that is merely wet, it would just feel really sluggish to you. You already know this, but for the younger drivers in here I will toss in two items of note. First, the posted speed limit is typically calculated for a dry road under clear skies in daylight with a reasonable safety margin, so driving in less than optimum circumstances means don't assume the posted limit is safe. Second, the first 20 to 40 to 60 minutes after rain starts falling following a decent time period of no rain offer very limited traction and are quite hazardous, so if you must drive under those circumstances them use extreme caution and yes, engage Winter mode. Take care and enjoy the ride, Greg __________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience. When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom. When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government. Last edited by gregs210 : 12-07-2007 at 10:23 PM.