winter driving in the C43
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 11
2017 MB C43 coupe, 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
winter driving in the C43
been snowing for the past 4 days, so I'm very happy having an AWD car for the first time in 6-7 years. I hope during the snowy winter and rainy spring seasons, the C43 starts getting more of the love it deserves.
Wondering what transmission and suspension modes people are using in wet & snowy weather? I was out today in decently slick snow and experimenting in safe areas. We only get snow on the roads in St. Louis probably less than a full week out of the year, so I doubt I ever go with a set of winter specific tires.
I ended up leaving the car in Sport transmission & Comfort suspension most of the past few days. How is everyone feeling about the C43 in the snow?
Wondering what transmission and suspension modes people are using in wet & snowy weather? I was out today in decently slick snow and experimenting in safe areas. We only get snow on the roads in St. Louis probably less than a full week out of the year, so I doubt I ever go with a set of winter specific tires.
I ended up leaving the car in Sport transmission & Comfort suspension most of the past few days. How is everyone feeling about the C43 in the snow?
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 137
Likes: 22
From: Calgary, AB
2015 Audi Q5 3.0T, 2018 C43 Coupe
Eco and Comfort are generally what use when their is snow on the ground. Having a longer gas pedal makes it easier to keep control of the car, and stopping the wheels form spinning unnecessarily. Sport and Sport+ are the opposite of what you need I would say.
Now, if you want to traction to break loose, then by all means throw it in Sport+ and have at it...otherwise, best to stay away from those modes.
Now, if you want to traction to break loose, then by all means throw it in Sport+ and have at it...otherwise, best to stay away from those modes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 264
From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
We had a bit of freezing rain and snow this week. I drive it in C mode and manually downshift on any steep downhill slopes. I'm running it on MPAS3+ and she's handling just fine. If it snowed more that a couple weeks a year here I'd consider dedicated winter tires. Most of the winter weather here is cold and rainy and the MPAS3+ outperform the winter tires for those conditions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,208
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From: SLC, UT
c-fo-fiddy
I've got full on snow tires (Blizzak WS80's) and 15 years of winter driving experience here in Utah so for me personally, I'm in Sport+, Manual shift mode, & traction control OFF. When there is no one around me, I'm pretty much that douchey guy that thinks he's filming for F&F Tokyo Drift 
But if you're trying to get the best control and safest usability out of your car (and don't have snowtires) then having it in Eco mode with Traction Control on is your best bet.
Also, when driving in the snow, like cornering and such, keeping your foot on the gas pedal is MUCH better than being on the brake or just coasting. It will be scary at first but the tires will hold traction and pull you through the turn. This is true for all drivetrains but it is especially the case for AWD vehicles. Be safe out there
But if you're trying to get the best control and safest usability out of your car (and don't have snowtires) then having it in Eco mode with Traction Control on is your best bet.
Also, when driving in the snow, like cornering and such, keeping your foot on the gas pedal is MUCH better than being on the brake or just coasting. It will be scary at first but the tires will hold traction and pull you through the turn. This is true for all drivetrains but it is especially the case for AWD vehicles. Be safe out there
Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 99
Likes: 6
C450
Having owned other cars with 100% power to rear wheels until slip it’s so much nicer to have the 4Matic fixed split of ~30% front and 70% rear.
No no drama in snow driving and predictable.
The Infiniti systems are the worst. You spin out so quickly before the front gets power.
No no drama in snow driving and predictable.
The Infiniti systems are the worst. You spin out so quickly before the front gets power.
