Manual Mode In Snow

[Karmike2]

I am sure others have noticed it, but if your driving an automatic and use manual mode you can start out in 2nd or 3rd gear from a standstill.

This is great when driving in the snow...especially if you are tuned. I find that you can put it in ECO Mode and start out in 3rd gear, and as long as you are easy on the accelerator, it really helps with keeping wheel spin under control.

Another cool thing is that when you start out in 3rd gear, and let the trans downshift itself while slowing down to come to a stop again, it will always start off in 3rd gear again.

When I used to drive a stick I would use this technique so I am glad that the trans is smart enough to allow it, and continue starting out in 3rd gear until you either start out in 1st or put it back in to full auto mode. Modern technology is great isn't it?!

 

[Eric Smit]

good to know for snow driving for all you auto guys.


-Eric Smit

 

[Maddmatts]

That should be pretty useful, tuned or not, considering the OEM tires. I'll have to try this out when I get my car back.

The Subaru BRZ's auto had a snow setting that locked out 1st gear.

 

[Sub_Sonic_]

Thank you for the information. I'd be the idiot who did have it in first gear haha

 

[ungawd]

Thank you for sharing this. I hoped this car allowed 2nd gear start but haven't had the opportunity to really mess with it. I had 2nd gear start on my old Grand Prix and it was wonderful. With the way it looks outside right now I'll have to make use of this in a few hours when I get off work.

 

[SonicBoy24]

I was just about to make a thread about this...
I love how it remembers what gear you want to start in.

but with proper snow tires its turning out to not be a big deal. I have Hankook I-pikes and they are amazing

 

[rdss]

That's been available for a while now, my 03 Silverado SS had the option. I would only hope that newer vehicles would have the option.

 

[photoman475]

I've got some snow on the ground-and roads-here in North Dakota, and haven't had any problems starting off in first and advancing normally through the gears.

The car seems to run better in the cold weather when using the manual instead of the auto. The engine rpm is not as high when using manual, compared to the automatic.

Yes, I've got a slushbox on my Sonic.