Basically I leave it on all of the time except when I need to punch it. For example, sometimes when I am gonna jump on the freeway, I will turn the VDC off until I get up to speed and then I will turn it back on. If it is raining or there is bad weather, you definitely want to leave it on. Basically, you will want to leave it on about 95% of the time.

 

lol

I leave mine off about 95% of the time. However, I agree with most that if you are either inexperienced or have a lack of self-control when it's called for, then leave the VDC on all of the time. It's safer for you and, more importantly, for the rest of us.

With that said, I do still strongly contend that the VDC lures a driver into a false belief that they're a skilled driver. With the VDC always there as a safety net, an inexperienced driver will rely upon it without notice. The day he turns it off and drives as he normally does, I don't want to be around.

I know the limits of my coupe and push them almost daily under the right circumstances. I respect those limits and know when to avoid getting close to them... ...or when pushing them doesn't have such high consequences.

It's much easier to apply WOT in the wrong situation than it is to apply the most appropriate throttle position during a given situation. I guess that's why VDC defaults to On. Please just be honest with yourself and know your limitations.

I don't ever really want to discourage an inexperienced or common-sense impaired driver from using the VDC, as that's why it's there. But as a person who grew up on tail-happy, RWD cars without an aide more advanced than an LSD, it's hard not to encourage people to develope car-handling skills... ...just do so in a safe enviroment.

FWIW, I use the VDC as the safety measure that I see it for. Highway driving during the rain would be most appropriate for me, as hydroplaning, decreased visibility and crazy-when-it-rains Texas drivers all become factors. Because the ABS is still active, I see absolutely NO use for VDC in the city. I should mention that I'm in West Texas, where it rains little and snows even less. Summer tires all year long around here. If I was up North, I'm sure me and VDC would be on better terms with each other.

 

so with VDC, snow tires might not be necessary

 

I wouldn't go that far. It helps you control slides, but snow tires can prevent you from sliding to begin with. You can get away with all seasons, but winter tires will always provide superior traction.

 

Right on. I had an AWD coupe (GSX) that you just couldn't shake from the road, even in a downpour and sailing through standing water. But when all four tires hit the ice... ...well, no traction simply means no traction.

 

Thanks all for the welcome!! And thanks for all the info. This is a great site and I will be a frequenter. Oh btw, I LOVE MY G!