Hi all just about to buy a nice Manual Kodiak SE 4x4 2l Diesel. Doesnt have mode select. Was wondering does anyone else have this model and is it OK in the snow and ice?

All snow mode does is dull the throttle response, you wouldn’t really need it if you’re used to driving in snow to be honest  

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by ZacDaMan72

All 4x4 are good in snow.

Forget about the snow mode, it`s for pu..ies.

Hahaha. Good to know, thanks:)

All 4x4's / AWD's are not good on snow unless on appropriate tyres and all VW Group AWD's do not come on OEM tyres that are good on snow or even cold roads without snow.

"All 4x4 are good in snow." -rubbish!  

 

Even a Defender with the diffs locked is useless on snow unless the tyres get a grip - I know!

I think @linni was forgetting that UK drivers aren’t obliged to fit ‘snow’ tyres in the winter whereas he probably is!

There are plenty of Youtube vids which demonstrate very, very convincingly that in snow and ice, a 2WD car with all-season tyres (or even better, winter tyres) will hugely out-perform a 4WD car with standard summer tyres. 

19 minutes ago, SinglePointSafety said:

There are plenty of Youtube vids which demonstrate very, very convincingly that in snow and ice, a 2WD car with all-season tyres (or even better, winter tyres) will hugely out-perform a 4WD car with standard summer tyres. 

I saw that too alright. Starting to wonder was I right to go for a vehicle with such large tyres. I am right to say winter tyres plus 4x4 plus decent ground clearance is the ideal vehicle?

The tyres are not that large / wide.  Not that size is an issue when the right tread for the use they are put to.

The Kodiak's ground clearance, even on the Scout, is only 194mm (7.6 inches).  Not great for rutted farm tracks!  A sump protector would make it even less.

5 hours ago, john999boy said:

I think @linni was forgetting that UK drivers aren’t obliged to fit ‘snow’ tyres in the winter whereas he probably is!

 

Right, but in this case there is no difference what tyres you wear. Without super tight assistants (winter mode) you can handle the car better. All what the inexperienced driver needs is ESC. Experienced driver does not need even that.

9 hours ago, farty said:

"All 4x4 are good in snow." -rubbish!  

 

Even a Defender with the diffs locked is useless on snow unless the tyres get a grip - I know!

 

Right, only OP did not ask anything about tyres. Question was about four wheel drive and snow mode.

I assume wearing winter tyres in snow is elementary.

Best assume nothing, because the UK is full of people that get a brand new shiny SUV with AWD and then think they are sorted for the winter driving.

 

I am not going to assume that there are just as stupid people in Ireland, i will go on experience and i am sure there are.

 

PS

What has ESC or TC / ASR to do with having the wrong tyres on?

The Owners manual advises that you might want to switch it off to free a vehicle, or if fitting snow chains.

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by e-Roottoot

I suggest not to transform this topic into "2WD vs 4WD",  "2WD with winter tyres vs 4WD with summer tyres", "vice versa" etc etc etc.

 

Once again, the original post:

 

17 hours ago, GlendaloughPaul said:

Hi all just about to buy a nice Manual Kodiak SE 4x4 2l Diesel. Doesnt have mode select. Was wondering does anyone else have this model and is it OK in the snow and ice?

 

 

 

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by linni

It is OK on snow or icy roads and untreated roads on the right tyres, 

otherwise just like all the other AWD's that you see sliding into the kerbs hard when off camber on an icy morning as they become big heavy sledges.

 

Not like some people say that all 4x4's are good in snow.  Even those that live in countries that get lots of cold or snow.

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by e-Roottoot

42 minutes ago, linni said:

I suggest not to transform this topic into "2WD vs 4WD",  "2WD with winter tyres vs 4WD with summer tyres", "vice versa" etc etc etc.

But the OP asked if the car will be good in snow!  It won't be on the factory tyres.  So our answers might be more helpful than yours.  

2 minutes ago, farty said:

But the OP asked if the car will be good in snow!  

 

OP asked:

 

Quote

Manual 4x4 Se. Any good without snow mode?

 

I only tried snow mode once.

Never touched that button again.

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by linni

@linni

 

Please read it again; OP said, "does anyone else have this model and is it OK in the snow?"  We are trying to answer that.  

 

I have 'offroad' mode on my Yeti and I love the reduced throttle sensitivity.  But I agree with a previous post, it won't make any difference if you know how to drive on snow.

 

Some all-season tyres have better snow grip than winter tyres, as shown in one of my posts.

Thanks everyone, I love your passion! I presume with the right tyres an AWD is a better bet than a regular car in the snow.

I'll probably only need to go through snow a few days a year and the rest is motorways 100 miles a day so I thought the Kodiak was a good plan. Also tried the Volvo XC60 and couldnt wait to get out of that. Kodiak was amazing in comparison. 

 

Thanks for all your comments

Yep, all wheel drive and proper tyres is the best solution.

I'll never forget driving my previous Octavia with winter tyres.

 

Had a range rover up my rear for miles. Had been snowing but was dry but still a bit icy.

 

Then as the road began to climb (up a steep road called Sutton bank from York to the coast) he started to slip and couldn't get up the hill and I just carried on without a problem 😂🤣

Snow mode helps, it adjusts the ABS to allow more slip, the traction control is adjusted to allow the wheels to slip when pulling away, throttle response is softened. AWD is engaged too (if you have it). DSG engages 2nd gear to pull away  (irrelevant for you appreciated). These all help. I ran mine on summer tyres in snow mode and it made a discernible difference to the general control and stability of the vehicle.

 

Winter tyres undoubtedly help but snow mode alone makes a difference.

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by jasoncmiles

"AWD is engaged too (if you have it.)"   

If you do not have a AWD you will not have 'Snow mode'.

 

As Skoda tells you the ABS is helping in the stopping by letting the snow build up in front of the tyres.

That means you are moving.

The TCS (Traction Control / ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) lets the extra slip be there to get you moving. *Not nipping the brakes...*

Rather like turning off the TC on a Manual or DSG without 'Snow Mode'.

& pulling away in a higher gears as drivers have been doing for many decades on slippy icy or snowy roads or ground.

 

 

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by e-Roottoot

Hi all,

6" of snow where I live in the morning (already 3.5" yesterday evening). My Kodiaq 1 is 4x4 and DS7 equipped and currently with 4 Michelin Alpin 7 winter tyres. I remembered the DCC has the Snow mode this morning. I then took the opportunity to test it, but I didn't see much difference.

This is good to know nevertheless. I now know how it works. Thanks!

On 05/10/2020 at 22:05, Guest_ said:

Edited 5 October, 20205 yr by e-Roottoot

Edited 7 January7 Jan by Bap33