QLeo
Established Member
- Joined
- May 17, 2023
- Messages
- 269
- Reaction score
- 404
- Points
- 128
- Location
- Scottish Highlands
- Driving
- MG4 SE LR
Last year, I posted some video of a trip to the village in snowy conditions that left many other cars unable to get up the many steep hills on our area. I was amazed at Goth Leo's ability in the treacherous conditions.
Today, I had to go the village again, and there's been a slight thaw. The track from our house to the road includes a very steep section, which is also on a corner. (@Rolfe may recall that part of the track) I was aware that the car took a little coaxing to get around the corner, but the pat down the other side was OK. I knew, though, that coming home could well be an issue.
I gave it a go. I also knew my Land Rover experience and training for when one loses traction on a steep hill is to slam it into reverse to maintain control, but of course, it's almost impossible to do that when you have to press the brake to change to reverse in the MG4. I had the car in Snow mode, which is by far the best for these conditions. I had my foot about halfway on the accelerator, and the car simply slowed to walking pace on the steep section. But at no point was there any slippage of the tyres (Goodyear Vector all-seasons). The very worst of the hill, I thought Goth Leo wouldn't make it after all, but somehow, although the energy meter read 35-40%, he plodded on at an even slower pace. Going around the corner was OK.
I don't know what aspect of traction control manages all of this, but it was a very impressive performance if you know that part of the road. We have had visitors unable or frightened to get up that section in summer.
Just reporting the experience. It does give ever more confidence in the car in these conditions. About the only thing I am concerned about is the snow plough of the front spoiler.
The pic attached was taken yesterday. The road drops steeply and swings to the right almost in front of the view.
Today, I had to go the village again, and there's been a slight thaw. The track from our house to the road includes a very steep section, which is also on a corner. (@Rolfe may recall that part of the track) I was aware that the car took a little coaxing to get around the corner, but the pat down the other side was OK. I knew, though, that coming home could well be an issue.
I gave it a go. I also knew my Land Rover experience and training for when one loses traction on a steep hill is to slam it into reverse to maintain control, but of course, it's almost impossible to do that when you have to press the brake to change to reverse in the MG4. I had the car in Snow mode, which is by far the best for these conditions. I had my foot about halfway on the accelerator, and the car simply slowed to walking pace on the steep section. But at no point was there any slippage of the tyres (Goodyear Vector all-seasons). The very worst of the hill, I thought Goth Leo wouldn't make it after all, but somehow, although the energy meter read 35-40%, he plodded on at an even slower pace. Going around the corner was OK.
I don't know what aspect of traction control manages all of this, but it was a very impressive performance if you know that part of the road. We have had visitors unable or frightened to get up that section in summer.
Just reporting the experience. It does give ever more confidence in the car in these conditions. About the only thing I am concerned about is the snow plough of the front spoiler.
The pic attached was taken yesterday. The road drops steeply and swings to the right almost in front of the view.
