Oh there doesn't seem to be much point in that then. Everyone always told me D1 or D2 was better in snow... now I have doubts.
D1 or D2 won't be better in snow in a modern car. With any decent TC system it won't matter what gear you start in. In ye olden days of yore starting in 1st would have been a good idea to limit slippage, assuming you could appropriately modulate the throttle.
Driving around in D1 or D2 is pretty stupid. People used to think down-shifting was a good substitute for braking, because they wheels would never lock. In reality wheels don't need to be locked to be slipping, they just need to be slipping relative to the road. With ABS you will utilize the maximum available braking force from all 4 tires in the most effective way. Leaving your car in D1 or D2 will just make weight transfer and traction demands larger, making the car harder to control smoothly. You've got a FWD car, right? Engine braking only uses 2 tires anyway. This by itself makes using the actual brake pedal better for slowing down because it uses 4 tires, not just 2.
Just leave your car in D and drive normally.
I am, of course, assuming you have a car with TC and ABS and not something considered an antique.
Last edited: