Kevin B

Deep snow: ESP on or ESP off? Opinions?

esses

I'd say leave it on. I believe you're supposed to turn it off in gravel, dirt, mud etc.

S4MadMan

On. If you don't go anywhere, turn it off. If you still don't go anywhere, better call for help. =)

gpgnat

That's when it will help prevent spin-outs... probably the BEST time to keep it on

S4Lee

(Meaning in about 1 - 1 1/2 feet of snow on wide deserted street)

ESP ON causes the car to track much better trough turns under constant throttle while waving the wheel back and forth (NOT cutting it too sharply, just turning as if there was a sharp curve).

ESP OFF will allow the rear to slide around a bit more. Not 'out of control', per se, just a feeling of looseness that can be fun when you're expecting it, scary when you're not.

BSOD

What about snowy cruddy gravelly streets? (like Tahoe)

esses

I.E., in mud, gravel etc, anything that can pile up around your wheels enough to cause you to flip, you want to leave esp off.

If you're in one of those substances (mud, gravel, dirt), and you end up sliding/fishtailing, you're supposed to keep the wheels spinning to prevent "stuff" from buliding up at bottom of the wheel and forming the physical equivilant of a curb. Not keeping your wheels spinning can very easily cause you to dig in as the dirt accumulates and roll.

ESP actually stops/hinders rotation of a wheel, which is why I think those are the only situations where you're supposed to leave it off.

Of course I could be completely wrong. It'd be good if someone a little more driving/mechanically inclinded than I could verify/dispute any of this.

S4Lee

When off-roading (m/s), you also want to keep the wheels spinning to keep the treads clean & working