What does 'snow' mean on a car button?

[McJesse]

snow refers to the snow mode of a car. Below are relevant introductions about snow mode: Definition: The snow mode indicator is a driving function of a car. When snow mode is activated, driving on icy or snowy roads becomes more stable. Mechanism: Snow mode is managed by traditional mechanical devices specifically designed for this purpose. Through computer-controlled program settings, the transmission can start in second or third gear, ensuring the vehicle has more stable and lower torque output, thereby reducing the likelihood of tire slippage on slippery snow. Snow mode is generally achieved through electronic throttle control and transmission settings. After activating snow mode, the engine's output power is reduced compared to normal conditions, making the wheels less prone to slipping.

[EleanorMarie]

As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience in northern China, that snowflake button on my car is literally a winter lifesaver. The first thing I do before heading out in heavy snow is press it—this little gadget delays gear shifts, making wheel rotation extra gentle at startup and keeping things steady on hills and icy surfaces. I remember once skidding sideways on a snowy mountain road; pressing it immediately made the ABS kick in more aggressively, pulling the car straight. But heads up: this mode increases fuel consumption by about 5%, and it automatically deactivates above 40 km/h—don’t go pressing it willy-nilly on paved roads. Recently, I even heard someone used this button to help a sand-stuck vehicle escape!

[McMarley]

When I picked up the car last year, the salesperson specifically demonstrated the snow mode button. Its working principle is actually quite intelligent—after activation, the engine torque is limited to below 2000 RPM, and the shifting logic changes to starting in second gear, equivalent to the semi-clutch state of a manual transmission car. Once, I encountered thin ice on a garage ramp, and as soon as the tires started to slip, the dashboard immediately flashed an ESP intervention prompt. A suggestion for new owners: when this button is activated, the throttle response becomes sluggish, so remember to leave extra distance when overtaking. Friends in the south might not need it, but owners in the northeast should check if this function is working properly before winter each year.

[AmaraFitz]

Last week, my best friend accidentally pressed the snowflake button next to the steering wheel and called me, worried that her car had suddenly become sluggish and broken. This snow mode reduces throttle sensitivity to prevent wheel spin when starting on icy surfaces. The principle works by the vehicle's computer limiting torque output, allowing the drive wheels to gradually increase traction. It's reassuring to press it when encountering black ice sections in the city, but if snow accumulation exceeds tire height, switching to winter tires is still necessary. Remember, when the snowflake icon appears on the dashboard, it indicates the function is activated.