Galaxy/Octavia - why do some insist in starting in second in snow?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Fri 3 Dec 2010 21:59
Galaxy/Octavia - why do some insist in starting in second in snow? - dieseldogg

Genuinely puzzled, I understand from what i have been told that some automatics "lock out" 1st and start in second when the snow/slippery button pressed, and have also been told it is better to do so with a manual as well.

This I cannot understand.

I have always used first, modulating the torque with delicate clutch control, & it has always worked for me, how can second work any better?

And I know about the reduction of torque thinngy, but is it relevent? in this application.

cheers

M

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 3 Dec 2010 22:13
Galaxy/Octavia - why do some insist in starting in second in snow? - craig-pd130

In a manual I reckon it's more to do with clutch / throttle control than the gear you use.

My Mondy's anti-stall is very useful for setting off from rest in icy conditions, just lifting the clutch feeds just enough revs to start rolling with no risk of wheelspin.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 3 Dec 2010 22:29
Galaxy/Octavia - why do some insist in starting in second in snow? - dieseldogg

Craig,

Ditto for the Galaxy, no throttle input normally necessary, to pull away smooth & slow.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 6 Dec 2010 10:07
Galaxy/Octavia - why do some insist in starting in second in snow? - Sofa Spud

It depends on the gearing of the vehicle. Modern manual cars and light vans are designed for starting in first gear. There might be circumstances where starting in second on a very slippery surface allows a gentler feed-in of torque, but if you then get wheelspin, it will be that much faster.

On medium and heavy commercial vehicles, first gear is often a low gear for starting on hills when laden, so starting in second or an even higher gear is often perfectly acceptable on them.

Edited by Sofa Spud on 06/12/2010 at 10:08

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide