if Snow Mode is accidentally left on for 10 mins or so on twisty (but high-traction) 80kmh roads, what, if any, damage can be done, and to which components ? haven't done it, just wondering what safeguards the car has against driver carelessness

Edited 25 November, 20196 yr by chrisluciofg

I would suggest nothing - as it just tells the gearbox and ABS / Traction control to behave slightly differently to normal - in the way it reacts to slip... its still a 2WD car (front) with 90% power there and 10% to the back.

 

Putting in snow mode does not lock a differential - as the car does not have locking differentials..  This is what can lead to issues on Permanent Type 4 x 4 and it does not have a low range.

 

On my Vitara - its permanent 4 x 4 but with the option for locked centre differential - which they recommend not to do unless on snow / ice / mud and then locked centre with Low Ratio.

 

My last Shogun was same as Vitara - but had the added advantage of a locked rear diff also.

 

I believe the Defender / Discovery with TR2 have option for Locked Centre Diff and Locking Rear Diff - so that even though they are 2 x 4 - they can really behave like 4 x 4.... and they do....

 

So my point in the above - its the locked differentials that can cause issues and torque wind up on hard surfaces - and the Kodiaq does not have them..

 

 

Edited 25 November, 20196 yr by SimonAudi
clarity

Snow mode is just snow mode. Assists behave differently, like Simon said..

Offroad mode tries to act like differentials are locked, but this goes off itself above 30 kmh.

Snow mode just adjusts the cars characteristics (like sport and eco).

 

Had an Evoque a fee years back and snow mode on that just really slowed the acceleration so even if you whack you foot fully on the pedal you dont surge off, worked at all speeds.

I selected Snow Mode today and the thing I noticed most was heavier steering than I normally use.

I guess it “weighted up” to Sport steering.

 

I think the throttle response had softened up too. Though not as bad as ECO mode (which has been banned).

 

ps - this was the view on the return leg of my journey, after the snow had cleared a bit. Car was rock steady on Conti 850s.

pps - and boy did the hot screen earn its keep as the overnight snow had frozen hard by morning.