Icy roads and off-road technology

[Arctra]

Hi guys.

I'm going to the Snowies this coming week and expect some of the roads will be a bit iced up. Now, because the Tig is a compact SUV I don't think I need to carry chains, but I know it's not full-time all wheel drive, so am concerned about safety.

I have the off-road technology pack which, when engaged, makes the haldex split the power 50:50 between back and front rather than the "normal" 90:10 bias toward the front. So when I'm on icey roads, should I be engaging off-road technology just to be safe? Or does the haldex controller react quickly enough to keep me safe anyway?

Also, should I adjust my tyre pressures to make them softer for better traction (larger contact patch)?

Very interested in your responses, especially for those of you that have taken your Tig's on iced up roads.

Cheers.

[Sanman]

Beware carrying chains fro 4WDs in Vic is compulsory, though not so in NSW -

Regulation 26(a) Of the Alpine Resorts (Entry) Regulations specifies that all vehicles entering Mts.BuIler and Stirling Resorts during the declared snow season must carry a pair of wheel chains that are capable of being securely fitted to one pair of drive wheels of the vehicle. This is in the event of the road becoming unsafe due to icy conditions. 4WD vehicles, while required to fit chains less often than 2WD vehicles, are not exempt from the regulation and are often required to fit chains in a normal snow season.

[NZTiguan]

Lowering your tire pressures in ice could decrease your traction imo as it increases the footprint therefor reducing the downward pressure per sqcm. I believe that's only any use in "soft" going like sand as it makes the vehicle effectively "float" more. The off-road package basically only works effectively at low speeds and I'm pretty sure (but not positive) it cuts out at about 40kph, certainly the hill descent control deactivates at 20kph. My opinion is that I'd only be switching to off-road in snow or if you're perhaps on a really slippery down-slope so you can use the hill-descent. I've only ever used mine on seal in the snow but I have used it for ice on gravel roads when descending. Guess it all depends on how icy it really is, if it's just patchy I'd leave it alone as the change in throttle and brake response will drive you nuts. The other thing I always do is switch OFF the esp when using the off-road function. It's a long story but has been well written up by jjj at mytiguan.com.

Hope this helps some

Cheers

[BuellFool]

Derek gets my vote.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexand...ealand#Climate refers.