While in for warranty repair, I asked the service manager about rapid brake wear and he said it is partly due to the VDC system. In spirited sport driving, while cornering hard, the VDC frequently engages the brakes to limit wheelspin and can cause the brakes to wear prematurely. I wonder if turning off the VDC can prolong brake life. Of course, one sacrifices the safety that VDC provides but many of us have driven vehicles without VDC for years. I definitely will keep VDC on especially in the rain.

 

Doesn't seem right.
Lots of other makes have VDC and don't have excessive brake wear issues.
Also, if VDC was engaging frequently, wouldn't the VDC light come on or blink??? With no light coming on, I would assume his theory is not correct.
On the other hand, if it is somehow due to VDC, then they need to do a recall to correct it.

 

Yeah, I agree with you. VDC does not engage during normal driving condition. It doesn't make sence to me. Usually My VDC engages twice a month.

 

VDC engagement is not displayed on the dash. The 'Slip' light blinks when traction control has engaged. VDC kicks in far more often than most people realize and even more so for sedans (skinny tires).

VDC does increase brake wear, but as you've all mentioned that sounds like an oversight on Nissan's part. They should of thought of it. I don't remember hearing Beemer and Merceds owners complaining.

THX723<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by THX723 on 12/04/03 08:16 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

Trust me, the SLIP light does blink for stabilty control corrections as well as traction control.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I remember last year when ppl debated winter tires vs A/S tires for winter driving. Some guy with a M-B said the dealer told him that the brakes wear quickly in low traction situations and was one of the other reasons to buy the best winter tires you can. Saves on brake wear![img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

Maybe my '04 G35's different.

It kicks in whenever I drive spiritly and no 'SLIP' indication. When 'SLIP' does light up it is alway accompanied by a lost in engine power.

All of those times on track especially, I can tell you that VDC has definitely kicked in yet no 'SLIP' indication. At track speed, you can *feel* as well as *hear* the pulsation from the VDC attempting to brake the proper wheel to tighten the line.

Driven at moderate speed (i.e on streets), I feel the Nissan VDC is very choppy compare to the BMW or Mercedes' systems, which is very fluid and seemless. At track speed it is not quite as intrusive, but you can definitely detect it. Again, when 'SLIP' light finally comes on, power has been cut. Certainly, when 'SLIP' is on, VDC could still be active.

Best way to test this out is to go to a *safe* large empty area. With VDC 'On' ... get up to speed, steer moderately to one side (loading up the suspension on one side), then quickly crank the steering wheel to the opposite side and lift off throttle completely at the same time. In essense trying to achieve a lift-off throttle oversteer. See if you see 'SLIP' come on. Be certain that your foot is complete off the gas, so traction control will not kick in. I'd be very surprised if you're able to actually achieve oversteer, because that's the job of VDC. Now try w.o. VDC ... you'll see what I mean.

Again, maybe the '04 are somehow different.


edit: I should probably refine my statement a few posts ago to:
When 'SLIP' is indicated, either traction control and/or VDC has engaged, however the converse is not true where VDC could trigger w.o. 'SLIP' being indicated. Sounds kinda retarded, but apparently this is how 'mine' works.


THX723<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by THX723 on 12/05/03 12:15 AM.</EM></FONT></P>