It kills your throttle response and makes the transmission shift earlier. Hence why you get better mileage. I don't use it, mine stays in PWR because I'm a maggot

 

I used "Snow mode" on the way to work today. We received about 4" of new snow overnight and the roads were slippery.

I too notice the improved Current MPG numbers. I encourage my wife to use the mode on snowy days. She is a "lead foot". Maybe it should be labeled "Lead Foot Prevention" mode.

 

Lead Foot Prevention... I like that.. I'll tell my wife "Just for safety sake" to leave it in snow mode...

 

....snow mode reduces the chances of wheel slippage by electronically changing the sensitivity of the transmission on take off only. Pwr mode may "feel" more torquey (on take off) Snow mode is a almost a second gear takeoff simulation- but its still 1st. In essence it delays throttle response some to again change the sensitivity to throttle....
As far as you experiencing better mpg's/ Im going to say placebo effect...shouldnt be really a measurable side effect. my .02

 

I actually get better gas mileage with the power button on then the snow button, if i leave it in "normal" mode I get the best gas mileage

 

Its a good idea when there's slick conditions. Its NOT good for having to sort of rev you r way off a slick spot. But expressway driving, black ice etc. It keeps cruise control from getting weird etc.

It seems old school when its working, but my car does GREAT in snowy weather, 3rd year with mine.

PS Keep a tread depth gauge in your car, replace the tires sooner rather than later. With age comes wisdom?

 

Funny I granny drive my car 24/7/358. There's one time where I have to exit the car wash with a heavy foot, and get onto a highway onramp, and I see the tach hit about 3500 rpm. Car feels really fast in this scenario. Other times, I'd be lucky to see 2000 rpm. I did find snow mode to be useless when I was stuck, who knows if a clutch and a stick would have helped.

 

Winter tires - Bridgestone Blizzaks. Go through anything, no problem. Used to drive to Buffalo NY in my rear drive LS every week, no slips, no trips. Change 'em over in fall and spring. Like having an unfair advantage.

 

As you would because that's not what it's designed for. I'm not sure about using sticks under the tires, but there's always the old rocking method, which the trans just loves...