What does the W in Roewe W5 automatic transmission stand for?
4 Answers
Roewe 350 automatic transmission W is the snow mode. When this button is pressed, a snowflake pattern will be displayed on the gear position indicator below the dashboard, indicating that the vehicle has entered snow mode. When driving in this mode, it is important to control the throttle pressure and avoid sudden acceleration on snowy surfaces. Mode Selection: Most modern cars are equipped with "Sport Mode" and "Snow Mode" options. Based on environmental requirements, drivers can choose the appropriate driving mode to balance driving pleasure and safety. When driving on soft or slippery surfaces, selecting snow mode allows the vehicle to start in 2nd gear and shift to higher gears at lower RPMs, ensuring smoother and gentler torque output and reducing the likelihood of tire slippage on icy or snowy roads. Note: When driving in W mode, the ABS operating range is also expanded. Under normal circumstances, ABS only intervenes when the brake pedal is pressed hard, but in W mode, ABS will activate even during non-emergency braking. All these measures are designed to enhance vehicle safety when driving on icy or snowy roads.
I used to drive a Roewe W5, and the W gear on the automatic transmission was particularly useful when driving on mountain roads in winter. I always thought W stood for winter, meaning it was a dedicated mode for snowy or slippery roads. For example, it would make the vehicle start from second gear, so the tires wouldn't slip immediately, making it safer and more reliable. I remember last year during heavy snowfall on the highway, switching to W gear made the car much more stable, unlike the usual D gear, which was more prone to skidding. This design is really thoughtful, especially in mountainous areas or during rainy and snowy seasons. If you're not familiar with this mode, I suggest checking the user manual for detailed instructions or trying it out in a safe environment. Don't underestimate this feature—it can prevent accidents in critical moments.
As a veteran driver with over 30 years of experience, I frequently use the W gear (Winter mode) of the Roewe W5's automatic transmission during rainy or snowy weather. This setting primarily functions to reduce wheel slip risks. For instance, when starting on icy roads, the W gear won't deliver high torque abruptly like regular gears but provides smoother acceleration to maintain traction balance. Having driven it several times in Northeast China, I found the vehicle much more stable with significantly reduced skidding potential. This setting is particularly crucial for SUVs due to their higher center of gravity which increases rollover risks. If you often drive on muddy or slippery surfaces, I recommend prioritizing the W gear while maintaining low speeds - safety always comes first.
I usually drive a Roewe W5 to commute, and the W position in the automatic transmission is designed for snowy conditions. Simply put, it's a winter mode that prevents overly aggressive starts, helping to avoid skidding or spinning on slippery roads. For example, when exiting an underground garage on rainy or snowy days, I always switch to this mode, and the car accelerates more smoothly. This feature is very practical, saving the need for snow tires, and its benefits become clear with prolonged use.
