What is the W gear in an automatic transmission?
1 Answers
Automatic transmission W stands for Winter (Snow) mode, which can be used for starting on slippery surfaces. The wheel torque is equivalent to that of second gear, helping to prevent slipping on wet or icy roads, but it is not recommended for high-speed driving. In this mode, the engine's torque is restrained and does not quickly reach its peak, reducing the likelihood of wheel spin when driving on snow and effectively preventing skidding. For automatic vehicles equipped with an ESP system, the Winter mode is not simply starting in second gear. When Winter mode is activated in an automatic transmission, the vehicle's power output is effectively controlled in real-time within a range suitable for snowy conditions. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and ECU (Engine Control Unit) work together based on wheel speed and steering wheel angle, using programmed control to optimize the vehicle's driving dynamics.