Author Topic: The Traction Button  (Read 3740 times)

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Offline JimmyBaja

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The Traction Button
« on: January 23, 2010, 11:29:15 AM »
 This may not pertain to allot of people here because allot of you race and/or are very performance oriented but maybe some good advice for people who just get in and drive or some conversation may come of it.

 Did you ever wonder what would happen if you turned the traction controll off on your Sol? I mean all the way off by holding the button down until traction and ESC are off and playing to see what the car would or wouldn't do (in a safe controlled place of course).

 I feel everyone should know how their car handles, as it is, without all the forced safety mechanisms someone else has determined you need. Yes I think it is great technology and does help in many situations and is even used in racing, Formula 1 for example. But I'm sure there are those who think that "you should never push THAT button" because as soon as you do the car is going to immediately run off the road into a ditch and 50 foot up a tree. (None of us solstice owners of course  :D )

 My opinion is that too much of the responsibility is being put on the car these days ("it has a ***** crash safety rating and advanced traction controll") when the driver is ultimately responsible for his/her machine regardless of safety features. Just food for thought/conversation.    :thumbs:  Negative criticism welcome.

Offline 2kwk4u

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2010, 11:33:05 AM »
I turn it off frequently.  It's WAY more fun to drive that way :D

Offline SeLFMaDE

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2010, 12:13:24 PM »
I turn it off occasionally, but only in large areas like parking lots without alot of potential things to hit. I'm still on stock tires and they easily break loose and get me sideways with all the nanny controls fully armed just during normal driving sometimes. I have no doubt that I would have wrecked it by now on a few twisty backroads without the traction control and stability control engaged. Probably would have had a few tickets too since alot of unintentional burnouts would have lasted alot longer without the traction control stopping it.

Offline Critterman

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2010, 12:51:41 PM »
My nanny controls are in my right foot, no help from a computer
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Offline Kelu

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2010, 12:56:47 PM »
Except going on races, playing in parking lots, or being on a nice clean and empty road, I turn off rarely.
Generally I use competitive mode to allow me to turn (to overtake) and accelerate in the same time.
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Offline DaveOC

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2010, 01:00:52 PM »
My nanny controls are in my right foot, no help from a computer

Tain't no button like that on my dashboard . . . :)
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Offline Treeman

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2010, 03:26:24 PM »
I turn off mainly for AutoX (where I spun it once - not a nice thing on public roads!).  Too many unpredictable things about public roads so, after playing with it off for a while, I now leave it on.  Too many times I have come around a fast bend and found gravel or moisture on the road.  Once I came upon a flock of peacocks in the middle of the road, if you can believe it!!  I am glad to have all the help I can get then.  

We also know of a few folks who have lost it, to one extent or another, by gravel surprises.  The nannies can't solve all problems (and did not in the case of one), but they do help.

I have too much fun, drive it hard, and love twisty country roads too much.  I like my safety net.
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Offline Uranium-238

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2010, 03:51:53 PM »
I'm one of those who was bit by gravel, with the nannies on. I tend to leave ESC on now, and use competitive mode on occasion. I rarely, if ever, turn ESC completely off outside of the track.
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Offline Gentleman Jack

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2010, 04:35:21 PM »
Competitive mode for spirited driving provides more control with the right foot.  Otherwise, full nannies, just to be safe for me.

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Offline Smiling Clint

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2010, 04:53:49 PM »
I pretty much leave the nannies on.  Only when playing or showing off do I push the button (in a safe area of course)
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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2010, 05:40:31 PM »
Comp. mode on the street in dry conditions.  Everything on in wet.  Everything off in off road competition settings.

Offline tazz

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Re: The Traction Button
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2010, 10:22:34 PM »
Mines mostly off unless the weather is bad.