I've seen threads here that say the snow mode is only on in low speeds, underr 15mph if I remember. Did anyone use that button yesterday? I'd love to hear what actual benefit it gave people (I understand it supplies more power to the front wheels, my salesman told me it was 30/70 default and 50/50 in snow mode).

I have brand new snow tires on the G and it was fantastic yesterday. As good as anything I've driven. Plus it stayed fog free on my 90 min commute, and I love how big the rearview is, great visibility.

 

The snow mode on my 05X felt like it reduced initial throttle response or like you were starting out in 2nd gear. I wasn't aware of the change to the AWD system as mentioned above. I ended up turning the system off because it wasn't needed.

 

Snow mode is not traction control. Don't get the two confused. The VDC is the G35's TCS system, and it is very good in the snow. You should only really turn it off if you need to "power" your way through a deep drift but you should turn it back on as the yaw sensor really helps keep the car tracking straight.

The "SNOW" button changes the strategy of the AWD system. It also reduces throttle sensitivity. That's why the gas pedal does not feel as responsive. But in terms of AWD strategy, it locks the AWD to 50/50 from a standstill and holds that until 18MPH or somewhere in that area where it then begins to reduce power to the fronts.

In normal mode, the car's AWD is split 70/30 with less to the front, and around 11MPH begins to reduce power to the fronts.

I may be off on the speeds the AWD kicks into RWD, but basucally snow mode forces the car to use 50/50 split and lock it at low speeds. Above a set speed though, the car manages the split.

But in a blizzard, i doubt you would be doing more than 20MPH...and if you are you are nuts.

 

^^^ Couldn't have said it any better



Anyone know if its the same part number for an 04X ?

 

I had my car in the shop and i had the guy do a quick oilchange while it was up on the lift. I wasnt watching all that closely, and apparently he put the cover back on in the wrong order. He put the rear portion below the front portion, so instead of having the two overlap, it acted as a plow.

 

Yeah snow mode does 50/50 up to 11 or something and then really reduces the throttle.. I tired it for a second the other day.. still hasnt snowed much today

 

On the plus side, when the snow melts and you turn the SNOW switch off, it feels like you gained 50 HP!