R56 ASC & snow driving
#1
ASC & snow driving
I only have ASC on my '08 Cooper S. I've had some issues driving in the snow. I have the all season performance tires & after reading this forum, am seriously thinking about getting snow tires for the winter season (watch, then it won't snow here again!). My salesman mentioned he turns off the ASC when he drives in the snow. Does anyone else do this & do you find it helps??
Any other suggestions for tire websites besides TireRack??
Thanks!
Any other suggestions for tire websites besides TireRack??
Thanks!
#2
I'd check local tire dealers. My local dealer (who I think gets tires from Tire Rack (and is one of there installers) was much better in price when you include shipping (we are about 5 miles from tire rack warehouse) and installation from dealer.
Tire Rack has great selection, very good prices, and experts but I'd also check locally.
I don't think you turn anything off (DSC) unless you are going very slowly like up hill.
Tire Rack has great selection, very good prices, and experts but I'd also check locally.
I don't think you turn anything off (DSC) unless you are going very slowly like up hill.
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#16
The manual says:
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator lamp for the ASC or DSC comes on. ASC or DSC are deactivated. Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off ASC/DSC for a brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate ASC/DSC again as soon as possible.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off ASC/DSC for a brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate ASC/DSC again as soon as possible.
#17
Not Necessarily true. I live in Mass and drive in MA, NH, ME, VT all the time on steep hills with lots (12+ inches) all the time and have NEVER turned off the DSC in my car and NEVER been stuck. It all depends on your driving skill.
#18
My MINI has ASC only (Traction Nanny) & she is always off. I installed an Ian Cull circuit with track mode to make the ASC be off by default. It can still be turned on for the rare instance it is needed by me.
My MINI wears 4 narrow winter tires. IMO those are much more beneficial than ASC.
Also...
Your mileage may vary.
My MINI wears 4 narrow winter tires. IMO those are much more beneficial than ASC.
Also...
It all depends on your driving skill.
Last edited by Crashton; 12-23-2009 at 07:35 AM.
#19
With all the debating going on, I'm surprised that no one has given the reason why you will get stuck with DSC/ASC on.
Allow me to shed some light and maybe this will help those that are confused, understand what's happening.
First of all, even though I don't have a MINI, I believe the DSC/ASC system works the same as in the BMW's.
When the system is on and senses wheel slippage, it cuts power to the drive wheels until traction is regained. It's human nature that when you get stuck in snow and start slipping, you apply more throttle. With DSC on, your efforts are fruitless because power is cut to the drive wheels that are slipping. That's why you can't get unstuck if DSC is on. By turning DSC off, you allow the wheels to spin and with the proper techniques, you will eventually break free.
Hope this helps.
BTW, this is for when you are stuck in snow and trying to get out. I would not recommend turning off DSC/ASC at other times unless you are tracking your car. (legal disclaimer...)
Allow me to shed some light and maybe this will help those that are confused, understand what's happening.
First of all, even though I don't have a MINI, I believe the DSC/ASC system works the same as in the BMW's.
When the system is on and senses wheel slippage, it cuts power to the drive wheels until traction is regained. It's human nature that when you get stuck in snow and start slipping, you apply more throttle. With DSC on, your efforts are fruitless because power is cut to the drive wheels that are slipping. That's why you can't get unstuck if DSC is on. By turning DSC off, you allow the wheels to spin and with the proper techniques, you will eventually break free.
Hope this helps.
BTW, this is for when you are stuck in snow and trying to get out. I would not recommend turning off DSC/ASC at other times unless you are tracking your car. (legal disclaimer...)
#20
When the system is on and senses wheel slippage, it cuts power to the drive wheels until traction is regained. It's human nature that when you get stuck in snow and start slipping, you apply more throttle. With DSC on, your efforts are fruitless because power is cut to the drive wheels that are slipping. That's why you can't get unstuck if DSC is on. By turning DSC off, you allow the wheels to spin and with the proper techniques, you will eventually break free.
#23
Mona Lisa Vito: The car that made these two, equal-length tire marks had positraction. You can't make those marks without positraction, which was not available on the '64 Buick Skylark!
Vinny Gambini: And why not? What is positraction?
Mona Lisa Vito: It's a limited slip differential which distributes power equally to both the right and left tires. The '64 Skylark had a regular differential, which, anyone who's been stuck in the mud in Alabama knows, you step on the gas, one tire spins, the other tire does nothing.
#24
When the system is on and senses wheel slippage, it cuts power to the drive wheels until traction is regained. It's human nature that when you get stuck in snow and start slipping, you apply more throttle. With DSC on, your efforts are fruitless because power is cut to the drive wheels that are slipping. That's why you can't get unstuck if DSC is on. By turning DSC off, you allow the wheels to spin and with the proper techniques, you will eventually break free.
#25
BTW, if DSC/ASC is on, the system won't allow you to dig yourself in deeper because it will stop the wheels from spinning. If you disable DSC/ASC, thus allowing all the wheel spin you can muster, an inexperienced driver would find themselves in a worse situation.
Last edited by BoxedUp; 12-24-2009 at 05:51 AM.