Snow Mode
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 27
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From: MA
Snow Mode
When we had our tutorial on our new RX450h from the dealer, he didn't explain about using SNOW mode. I looked at the manual which came with the car ; however could someone who has used this mode please give me some guidance. We drove our car this morning after yesterday's blizzard. The roads were plowed but still had a moderate layer of packed snow. We had no trouble, although I was driving slowly. I didn't use Snow mode. I don't do a lot of driving in the snow but would like to be more familiar with this mode. In the manual, it tells me to use the menu to go to Snow mode but also says to use the gear shift into S next to Drive.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Karen, snow mode basically starts the RX in a higher gear to minimize tire spin when accelerating. It's been a feature on the RX since the beginning. I've used it maybe once in 14 years. I can do the same thing myself by downshifting so I don't even bother going through the steps to engage snow mode. I used to drive manual years ago and like the ability to change gears as needed. I think the VSC button is more important. Turning it off will definitely help if you find yourself stuck in snow with no traction. But you'll want to turn it back on when you're driving through it. In addition, VDIM will kick in when a wheel slips before you even realize there's a problem.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 3
From: ON
Snow mode softens the throttle response significantly. Try it out, you'll find that you really have to put your boot into it to get the car moving. Helps to prevent wheel slip when starting out. I'm not sure that it does much else.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 947
From: Toronto, ON
Here's a little blurb I found from the official China Lexus website (English translation), pretty much what everyone said except with mention of some additional optimized use of the rear electric drive:
From the multi-function display panel, users can select the all-new SNOW mode.
When moving off in snow conditions or slippery road surfaces, the SNOW mode helps to enhance acceleration and stabilize the vehicle's pickup. In this mode, the power of the vehicle is suitably reduced to prevent wheel spin and achieve better accelerating performance.
When the front wheels lock in a spin, the rear electric motor further optimizes the power on the rear wheels to supplement a more stable acceleration.
When SNOW mode is selected, the HYBRID SNOW indicator on the display will light up.
When moving off in snow conditions or slippery road surfaces, the SNOW mode helps to enhance acceleration and stabilize the vehicle's pickup. In this mode, the power of the vehicle is suitably reduced to prevent wheel spin and achieve better accelerating performance.
When the front wheels lock in a spin, the rear electric motor further optimizes the power on the rear wheels to supplement a more stable acceleration.
When SNOW mode is selected, the HYBRID SNOW indicator on the display will light up.
I also use snow mode on my is350 when I commute traffic to keep rpm low. This will save gas, brakes, etc...
Weird, just realized that my F-sport doesn't have snow mode. Is this normal because it's AWD?
Weird, just realized that my F-sport doesn't have snow mode. Is this normal because it's AWD?
Last edited by shaolin; Feb 13, 2013 at 10:43 AM.
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Driver
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 146
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From: MO
As an engineer, I despise those high-level descriptions that user manuals provide - especially, when the word "optimize" is thrown around as if the algorithm is as best as it can ever possibly be.
I'd much rather prefer a description containing the information others have posted. Something like
"Snow mode improves traction by starting the vehicle in a higher gear and reducing the throttle response quickness in order to reduce the likelihood of unintentional wheel spin and to provide steady, predictable, controllable acceleration. It's on if you see a snowflake."
I'd much rather prefer a description containing the information others have posted. Something like
"Snow mode improves traction by starting the vehicle in a higher gear and reducing the throttle response quickness in order to reduce the likelihood of unintentional wheel spin and to provide steady, predictable, controllable acceleration. It's on if you see a snowflake."
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