Brake Ware question on LH cars

[Mainframe]

I have a Eagle Vision TSI with Traction Control/Anti-lock brakes

I am assuming that the Traction Control works by applying the brake to one
side of the front (power) wheels while the other is left free to turn.

If this is correct, then would not the disc brakes (and maybe one side more
then the other) ware out faster then in a "normal" braking system?

The reason for my question is that in upstate NY the (side) roads are not
plowed very cleanly, and I notice that my traction control is almost always
on at the lower city street speeds. And I was wondering if there was any
problem with that.

Thank for any imput

 

[Bob Shuman]

I too have an Eagle Vision TSI with traction control. I believe that the
traction control system applies the brakes to the wheel that it determines
is "slipping" based on speed information from the ABS sensors.

In any event, when the traction control comes on, it means you are wearing
down your brakes. I have found that I can avoid this situation about 95% of
the time by using my auto-stick to manually shift to a higher gear to start
out from a stop light on ice or in heavy snow. I find that I can start in
2nd or even 3rd gear and the reduced torque prevents spinning the wheels.
YMMV.

Bob

 

[Geoff]

In any event, when the traction control comes on, it means you are wearing
down your brakes. I have found that I can avoid this situation about 95% of
the time by using my auto-stick to manually shift to a higher gear to start
out from a stop light on ice or in heavy snow. I find that I can start in
2nd or even 3rd gear and the reduced torque prevents spinning the wheels.

I second that. Use the AutoSchtick if you have it and it will help. Other
than that, you can turn the traction control off if you're worried about it,
or drive *very* gently for awhile until the snow goes away. Other
possibility is that your front tires have become worn to the point where
they're on the hairy edge of being unsafe for driving in snow. Consider
checking tread depth.

--Geoff

 

[Mainframe]

Thanks for the info on traction control

The reason I was so worried is that just going down my street you can hear
the traction control "groining" and the green traction light going on and
off like a turn signal every time one of the wheels loose traction.


I usually turn it off and "manually" shift using the Auto-Stick.

But somtime, you have to keep your eyes on the road ;-)