Are autos really that bad in the snow?

fits

question in title.

I drive an auto 4x4 and I havent had the slightest problem. I've only used the manual override for engine braking going down a hill.

Was just talking to someone there driving an auto saloon and he reckoned it was the worst possible thing for snow driving..

I dont think it makes that much of a difference does it? If anything it should be better as the gear changes are smoother no?

Marlow

Some are, some aren't. It depends on how intelligent your auto-box is.

/M

2qk4u

It also depends on who is sitting in the driver seat. If you know how to use it you will be fine.

There was an "expert" on the news last night saying that Automatics were the best thing to have in this weather. There's different info out there on this tbh but as I pointed out in another thread, I find my automatic much better at handling it than my manual. Would obviously depend on the car, I wouldn't drive my mams auto micra for example (but then not sure i'd feel safe in a manual micra either atm).

In America though, that's mostly all they drive, and they seem to cope just fine in worse weather than this.

So far so good in the auto for me, it's done me very proud! Although my front headlamp went last night :rolleyes: so now I've to get to a garage in in whiteness with only one front lamp. Oops....

DublinDilbert

Deleted User wrote: »

In America though, that's mostly all they drive, and they seem to cope just fine in worse weather than this.
.

+1

That many Canadians can't be wrong either! Nearly every car is an Auto.

alias no.9

RWD Automatic is working just fine for me.

Esel

Another believer here.... (FWD ftw ). Be sure to put the lever at 2, or engage the Snow switch which does pretty much the same thing) when pulling away from a stop. Basically, like a manual, you want to avoid 1st gear like the plague.

Edit: Autos have very little engine braking, so use the brakes sparingly, and anticipate having to slow down.

unkel

esel wrote: »

Autos have very little engine braking

As Marlow said, that depends on how clever the box is. The box in my (now 14 year old) 7-series automatically used engine braking on sharp descents. Also, many automatics drive off from standstill in second gear, something most manual drivers don't do, even in the snow.

FWD is easier than RWD in the snow for two obvious reasons: pulling is easier than pushing and the weight of the engine over the driven wheels gives more grip.