Descending Icy Hills

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <32A6F1EE.34C1@philly.infi.net> Shaun Mullen writes:

> Phil Payne wrote:
> > 
> > Slowing down is good advice.  I'm not sure about "low gear" - I was always
> > taught to be in the highest one I could manage.  If you're in a low gear, tiny
> > throttle movements translate to large torque changes.
> 
> Hmmmm.  I am going into the fifth Northeastern U.S. winter in my '92
> 100CSQW and already have had two interesting ice-filled commutes this
> fall.  As in past winters, I make sure to slow way down.  And I also,
> from experience, shift into the lowest gear in my AUTOMATIC. There is a
> palpable sensation of the car crawling on the ice.  Maybe the sensation
> is between my ears, but might the parameters be different with an
> automatic vs. a five-speed?

Yes.  Default assumptions - Europe: five-speed, USA: slush-box.

I tend to descend really bad stuff in 3rd with the engine idling.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club