OK, so I grew up in northern NY, average snowfall of 200 inches or so (average snow falls about 10 inches per fall). Kind of pride myself on the fact that I know how to handle a car fast in snow and rain. I have had so many close calls including being in the snow banks a number of times that I feel I have learned how to drive fast in bad conditions. Before you get your panties in a bind, I do know that hydroplaning on wet roads and other on snow is to some degree out of your control....but it is also in your control too....just gotta know what your doing...and use some caution.

Alright so I am down here in Virginia where if your lucky you can get 3 to 4 inches of snow in a single event. I'm driving into work and we had a blizzard last night like 4 inches of snow. The roads are posted at 55, so I am driving like 55 - 65, most are driving at 40 - 45. So I am driving cautiously fast around the hoppers. I drive for about 20 miles and am getting close to work, I am on a main road and passing somebody who was driving too slowly for me (which is a typical event). Anyways, I pass this dude on slushy / clear roads and am doing about 60. I pass through a major intersection. Typically, I would feel that a major intersection should be quite clear...but the lovely plows had basically left these huge tracks of 10 inch high slush / snowplow tracks through the middle of the fricking intersection. The X starts to waggle into an S slide...the front and rear break basically free from traction and I start going into slow correct mode, not too fast or you'll end up on the side of the road or off of it. I slide for about 100 feet or so first left, then right, then I straighten it out. I haven't had an issue like this for 5 or so years so I am a bit rusty and I have to say I certainly didn't expect to hit this crap in the middle of an intersection. All in all, I cant believe how well the X handled the slide. It was partially me but I am sure that the VDC and other software programming stopped me from seeing further sliding. It was such a simple S, nothing like the SSSS I am used to in older cars.

The VDC likely helped in this event, not sure what other software may have been involved too. In general, the VDC is good when you are in rainy or snowy conditions. I leave it on most times....however, when I want true handling and fun, I have to turn it off. Otherwise the Slip light comes on and detracts from engine power and fun.

 

No matter how experienced you are driving in bad conditions, somehow it seems you always run up against something new. Probably why most careful people drive 40-45 in a 55mph zone in bad weather instead of 55-65 like you were doing.

 

VDC + snow = piece of mind!

 

Good job rp95se. It's good that your experience years ago in snow kicked in and helped you as well as the great car electronics on the G. I can see how snow driving is tough for people who don't experience it much.

I just love to get out on fresh snow in any properly equipped vehicle when we get 6-12" and zoot around. My wife and I used to do it all the time in parking lots with my Grand Cherokee.

 

VDC is awesome for those unexpected sideways moments. I just wish there was a middle setting to use on normal dry days. One little slip in the dirt or during a hard shift and the VDC slams on the brakes.