H Guys can I just ask for your advice, In the current snow/icey conditions should I be driving with the ASR ON or OFF. I do not realy know what it does nor used it before so any help appreciated.

I have a 1.9TDI Octavia on a 2007

Thanks

All ASR does is rein the power in if you're too heavy with the accelerator. If you often spin the wheels pulling away, then you may wish to turn it off in the slippery weather to avoid an awkward / dangerous loss of power when pulling out of a junction or WHY. Otherwise, just leave it on. It's not like ESP, so it won't help you out if you start to slide in a bend or something...

From experience in a Passat and in my Octavia, I'd generally leave it switched on. In very slippery conditions, going up a hill, you may find that you can have the accelerator flat on the floor but the car remains trickling along at 30mph, with the ASR light flashing, while grip is found. I tried switching it off once and drove "manually" and the car started to slow down, ASR knew best.

On the odd occasion that lots of wheelspin while sawing from lock to lock is necessary, then switch off.

Edited 26 November, 201015 yr by gregoir

I did an experiment with mine last year. Driving up a long moderate slope with a compacted covering of snow.

With ASR on - just pulled up the slope in a dead straight line no matter what I did to the throttle - no dramas - straight up the hill.

With ASR off - anything but a feather touch on the throttle and the front end slewed around and progress all but stopped.

Only time I turned it off was when the same slope had a covering of around 4 inches of snow - with ASR on it just gave up, so I switched it off and I slewed and wheelspun my way to the top with much rolliing back to take another run at it.

My advice - keep it on until you find it isn't helping then turn it off and try without.

I am yet to find out how the new motor's ESP and DSG will cope with the hill. - No snow yet in my neck of the woods!

Good to find someone who agrees with me! Very cold and icy today in the Peak District but ASR did not kick in.

Edited 26 November, 201015 yr by gregoir