Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1506
Thanks all. I knew there would be a lot of experience here.
To answer a few of the points:
I had no confidence in my tyres after two earlier slippages trying to stop whilst doing next to no speed (sub 10mph). Tyres are Scorpion zeros and had 6mm at the time. I crept down the hill at around 5mph. The snow had melted and frozen so very challenging.
I have been on a LR experience driving day (came with the car when I purchased it). I used HDC, it was incredible. Just didn't know if I would have the same experience on snow/ice.
Good point about HDC braking better than I can. I didn't think about individual brakes being applied. nothing to run off onto , footpaths and front gardens both sides. Main road into /out of the town so traffic likely to be coming the other way (although nothing on this occasion).
I am about to get new tyres. I've considered winters, but really can't justify it. I live in Kent. Today the temperature is about 12 degrees and it's forecast to be over 10 degrees over the next week. I can't really justify the cost for a few days a year, although I am thinking of going for all season tyres (seems the only ones available are the Scorpion Verde all season which would suit my all on road driving). These tyres appear marginally better than the scorpion zeros on snow in tests. Any other suggestions for all season tyres?
My previous two cars (Nissan X-Trail and Toyota Rav4) have been much more sure footed on snow/ice. They both had all season tyres.
Will certainly have more more confidence in HDC use in these conditions next time.
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26683
The main thing is to keep the wheels turning, so you can steer, and that’s what HDC does for you.
As for everything else, it’s common sense really. If you have no margin for error, and no experience of using the Disco in these situations, then best go around. If you can see an escape route, or you have a decent margin of error, then use the tools you have at your disposal, the car will astound you!
29th Nov 2018 5:30 pm
Bardley
Member Since: 02 May 2018
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 437
You mention a verge as a possible runout? If the verge is snowy grass, then personally I'd be running two wheels on that until you can feel comfortable.
Anything other than Ice is best.
As has been said, the Disco is a heavy beast and once sliding you're in the hands of physics alone. The bottom line here is traction, and Ice is clearly not going to give you much.
Once the weight of the car on the downhill gradient overcomes the grip available, then it's a matter of luck if you regain control. As good as D4 is, it will only do so much.
A day with LR experience will be good fun, and you can explore the limits in a safe environment. My local team at Luton Hoo are a good knowledgeable bunch and are recommended.2011 MY D4 HSE
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29th Nov 2018 6:24 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23261
I mentioned a verge. That was very much a plan B for an emergency stop, if the HDC hadn't worked. I couldn't have incorporated it in my descent of the hill.
As per Gareth's post, the wheels kept slowly turning and the descent was without any drama at all. I was both amazed and relieved. 2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
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29th Nov 2018 6:48 pm
RRSTDV8
Member Since: 07 Apr 2014
Location: Here
Posts: 13030
Naks wrote:
isn't it the best practice to actually go a bit faster on an icy slope so that you retain come control? if you go too slow, you might end up just sliding around?
No. You use HDC and a low gear. If it's decently steep then using low range and HDC will get you down stuff you can't walk down. Steep enough and all bets are off, of course.Visiting from rrsport.co.uk
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29th Nov 2018 7:23 pm
AndrewS Tarquin of the Desert
Member Since: 06 May 2005
Location: Y...... because I can
Posts: 10438
As Ken says proper winter tyres are unbelievable, however when gravity overcomes available grip the outcome is obvious.In the Beginning there was nothing, which exploded.
29th Nov 2018 9:03 pm
Canburne
Member Since: 15 Jan 2013
Location: Devon
Posts: 2027
A point nobody has made so far is that with HDC each wheel is being controlled individually which does not happen when you use the brakes. If all 4 wheels fail to grip then the laws of physics say that you are just a 2.7 ton lump sliding down the incline.......
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29th Nov 2018 10:30 pm
Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1506
Thanks.Yes that's important to note. OMG! made this point earlier (2.36pm)Gary
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29th Nov 2018 10:34 pm
Dave T
Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6902
robpenrose wrote:
Anyway, i used low range, locked in gear, HDC and controlled the speed with the foot brake as well. Whatever you do, you need to be very smooth so you don't lose grip in the first place.
using the footbrake take HDC off doesn't it? you should be able to set a very slow speed on the cruiseJoined the BMWX5 45e group
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30th Nov 2018 6:50 am
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50930
Bardley wrote:
You mention a verge as a possible runout? If the verge is snowy grass, then personally I'd be running two wheels on that until you can feel comfortable.
I have experience (or should I say at the time inexperience) in this....very steep, very wet, slimy mud hill ...misheard comms saying 'don't come down' ...went down ...traction overcame HDC ...speed hurtle began...put two wheels on the grass...returned grip but slewed the back end around and front end collided with a tree. TBH I'm glad that bit happened because I dread to think how much speed I would have picked up otherwise ... and part of the run off was a deep pond
Live and learn
30th Nov 2018 8:45 am
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10289
dont do what I did (though an extreme case of muppetry) and engege HDC whislt still moving down an icy slope when not knowing what the HDC speed was set to.
I was still travelling to fast so HDC tried to slow me right down, resulting in a big slide. I used the kerb to straighten the car up and take some speed out.
I think the correct proceedure is to stop at the top. Engage HDC and then crawl down the hill.
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30th Nov 2018 11:02 am
Gazellio
Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
HDC we have a very steep icy hill in winter to access our road "Valley Road" I use HDC noth with summer and winter tyres and I just let it get on with it works great every time .... when the BMW's and Mercedes are already in the hedges!
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