SW17LS

otherwise the heating elements would be running across the bottom of the visible area of the windshield. I think the idea is when the car is equipped with the deicer you don't need to put the wipers in snow mode.

zicogold

I have and it does over time reduce some ice build-up, but in heavy snow conditions the rate at which the flakes fall is just too great. The one suggestion is to operate the front defogger manually, either exclusively or selecting the front defogger and foot setting.

The problem I have is that snow collects and builds up in the wiper well, melts, re-freezes and builds up and impairs the wiper action. It is best to stop and manually clear the ice in the wells. One of the few manual interventions this car requires while driving it. :-)

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Lol didn't even know I had that, Gonna look at it today though.

Flying3

I had the wiper deicer on during this mess. It could not keep up with the falling snow so it was useless. So far, it's the only aspect of the car I find unimpressive so I'll take it.

I do love how quickly the steering wheel heats up and the auto seat warmers is nice. It manages the temperature nicely on auto. Set and forget.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Yeah noticed that with steering wheel, It puts the seat warmers are full heat then goes back to original setting first time I noticed that.

zicogold

Does anyone use the Snow transmission setting in the snow. I was told that it started the car in 2nd. I have used it, need all the help I can get in heavy downfalls, and do not notice it but I do not spin any wheels at intersections.

I wonder if the Snow setting sets the car in second for slow, icy, long incline, as well?

axiom00

I put it in Snow Mode when there's 2-3 inches of snow. Snow Mode will split torque 50/50 to the front and rear. I find that it helps keep the rear from stepping out when you're on the throttle hard.

zicogold

Thanks Axiom, that makes perfect sense.

Could not help but get a chuckle from that. The Toronto area nearly screeches to a halt with that amount of snow. Toronto is the most un-Canadian city, because it takes 2 or 3 feet to bring other cities to a halt.

sydtoosic

yes, but the down side is the damn bugs that commit suicide and splatter all over my front windows and bumper and mirrors.:thumbed: almost forgot the road kill that has to be dodged every 1/4 mile... deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, possum.

sydtoosic

the wiper deicer is only meant for the bottom third of the windshield, it keeps your wipers from icing up. normally you'd use it when you get in the car and ice has built up around or on you WW, turn it on to melt the ice. i don't see any use for it while driving.

zicogold

The WW deicer may work when a there is a light amount of ice or snow adhering to the wipers. When there is a storm and you need it, it is not effective enough.

GM11

I do use it in snow and have to admit sometimes even on a cold icy morning as well around mid town. I like the feel of the extra power going to the front wheels, and the car feels more planted that way to me even though it's not that manly driving around in granny mode.

zicogold

Yep, I rely on that button more often than I care to admit. It is a handy little override.

dseag2

We had an ice storm here in Dallas 2 weeks ago, and I drove my RWD GS350 through some of it. I put it in SNOW mode and drove really slowly but I made it. I did have trouble getting up our sloped driveway which was totally iced over. Not a great car for snow. I'm sure the AWD is better.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Yep I used it for the past storm we had, as others have said it helps make the car feel planted. Feels better driving with it.