Why do you recommend disabling the ESP when driving in snow and ice?

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Why do you recommend disabling the ESP when driving in snow and ice?

I have just read with interest your reply to JG, Fleet, regarding the switching off of ESP in snow and ice. I own a rear-wheel drive Lexus IS 250 automatic, not the best combination for snow. Whilst the car is fitted with a ‘Snow’ option button, the car became stuck during the bad weather in December last year. Fortunately, I wasn't far from home. Therefore I would be grateful if you outline the reasoning behind the disabling of the ESP. Anything that will improve my chances in snow in the future is always welcome. Finally may I just add my backing to the thoughts of GB, East Lothian, with regard to the scourge of motorways, the middle lane driver. The new four lane Derbyshire section on M1 must really confuse them.

Asked on 15 February 2011 by AS, Ossett

Answered by Honest John

My reply was not about traction on snow and ice (for that you need a set of winter tyres). It was about skid control on snow and ice. I took a course at the Porsche Driving Centre at Silverstone in a Skoda Yeti 1.8TSI 4WD. I'd done the downhill skid control and was on the horizontal 'kickplate' skidpan. Every time, I ‘lost’ the car at 25mph. They suggested switching off the ESP. I then found I kept control of the car past 30mph. The reason is that in some conditions ESP can counter your reactions and you end up fighting it. With ESP off you remain in control and stay on the road.

Tags: automatics esp driving in snow

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