RS4 , In the snow - 4 WD a bonus?
Discussion
just thought I would share my recent experiences with our RS4 which we took to Cervinia (in Italy) for a bit of skiing. The initial drive across France was a doddle although the fuel prices were obviously a bit alarming ( cost similar to last summer here, at £ 75.00 a tank).
I am not particularly experienced with driving in the snow, but have driven many 4WD vehicles in poor conditions.
So, how does a heavy 4 WD car behave on mountain roads in the snow on standard, low profile tyres?( thick snow ) - Absolutely terribly, no traction at all, ESP goes crazy, even stopped with the handbrake applied, the car would not stay put on a very mild incline!
How much better is it with chains fitted ( front only )? Well, a significant improvement ( at vast expense ), but still crazy fishtailing and no traction without ESP switched off, furthermore, the chains were keen to touch the arch liners and the whole experience was not very pleasant at all - The oil temp stayed at 120 degrees for the 8 mile duration of the hill!
So my advice? - rent a car, take chains or hope that the roads are clear of snow - This is clearly not likely at this time of year, in my 3 trips driving to the Alps, 2 have involved driving in heavy snow.
Plus don't leave it in a public car park or your bodywork will need a bit of attention!
I am not particularly experienced with driving in the snow, but have driven many 4WD vehicles in poor conditions.
So, how does a heavy 4 WD car behave on mountain roads in the snow on standard, low profile tyres?( thick snow ) - Absolutely terribly, no traction at all, ESP goes crazy, even stopped with the handbrake applied, the car would not stay put on a very mild incline!
How much better is it with chains fitted ( front only )? Well, a significant improvement ( at vast expense ), but still crazy fishtailing and no traction without ESP switched off, furthermore, the chains were keen to touch the arch liners and the whole experience was not very pleasant at all - The oil temp stayed at 120 degrees for the 8 mile duration of the hill!
So my advice? - rent a car, take chains or hope that the roads are clear of snow - This is clearly not likely at this time of year, in my 3 trips driving to the Alps, 2 have involved driving in heavy snow.
Plus don't leave it in a public car park or your bodywork will need a bit of attention!
Ranger 6 said:
Did you check your manual about the chains? Different car I know, mine says to put them on the rear and they work fine (although I do have M+S tyres - not full snow tyres). I believe it's something to do with the torque split and 4wd programming i.e. if it's a rearward bias then chains on the front won't have the same effect.
I did - After the event! I am a typical man who reads the instructions afterwards....Thankfully, I had actually got it right, although there was no mention of switching off the ESP - Had my wife been using the car and a good samaritan had fitted the chains for her, she would probably still be there!Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff