DSG in the snow...

[ChickenvanGuy]

Evening all,

With snow predicted for my area (Gloucestershire) tomorrow I thought I'd ask for advice...

I did the last serious snowfall we had here (2010) in my S2000 and it was fine, as long as I was steady & gentle. (Well, apart from once trying to start on a slight uphill on compacted snow. This led to much pushing and swearing from my Dad, who reminded me more than once that I'd traded a MkV R32 for the Honda...)

Anyway, last February the S made way for an S3 with the S-tronic transmission. I thought going back to all wheel drive guaranteed tropical winters for years to come, but it looks like it'll be on a par with Captain Scott's back garden tomorrow.

This being my first 2 pedal motor a quick google reveals a tale of woe here...

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?...

But the picture is much more like I'd expect here...

http://www.r32oc.com/topic/18303-dsg-cars-in-the-s...

The Golf Gti forum is also positive...

So does anyone have any recent experience? I'm thinking that steady take offs in D, using the "creep, using the paddles when necessary and maybe into N for the final slow down to a stop. I've plenty of experience driving in snow in a variety of vehicles with never an issue, but have always had manuals.

Tyres are on 18s, less than 6 months old but not winter ones.

Any tips or experiences out there?

Cheers all. Stay safe!

[qureshia]

My DSG GTI drives brill in the snow (winter tyres)

I just set off slowly and use the paddles to stop it kicking down, as well as paddle up early to stop it spinning up to the red line.

[davepoth]

Last time I drove an auto in the snow, it was a Crown Vic. Technique for that was merely to turn off the traction control and get a good run at hills.

Seriously though, the hardest bit is pulling away, so let it creep unless you really need more power. Once you're away I'd go for manual and then stick it into the highest ratio you can.

[Motorrad]

My MKVGTI was fine in the snow- it was running on Michelin Alpin winters on 16" wheels though. It was unstoppable even though there was no snow mode on the dsg box- other than ground clearance that is. The front splitter started to act like a plough.

[furrywoolyhatuk]

Start it off in second with traction control off. As said its just trying to get the initial momentum.

[jp-sr71]

Turn the TC off, stick it in Manual and use the paddles.

You'll make much better progress.

[ChickenvanGuy]

Cheers - quite looking forward to it!

[ChickenvanGuy]

Well, the DSG was great, but I was defeated by someone who'd brought a power line down and blocked the road!

Traction off, into manual,no trouble. Sailed past stuck trucks, got up slopes easily, enjoyed the odd sideways twitch. Great fun, but back home now.

Stay safe out there!

[mackie1]

My previous car was a DSG Octavia vRS petrol and it was fine in the snow.