The ECT Snow mode is an unused or underutilized feature that helps drivers maintain a good grip on their vehicles on icy, snowy, or muddy roads. This button sits near the gear selector but sometimes close to the dashboard or under the steering wheel.
Some car owners may struggle to catch up with the various innovative new features available every year. Of course, the ECT Snow and other innovations aim to improve the driving experience. Without adequate knowledge, they will be unused or underutilized.
This article focuses on demystifying the feature/button by discussing what it means, how it works, and when it is suitable. Let’s proceed.
Table of Contents
What Is ECT Snow?
ECT Snow is short for Electronically Controlled Transmission Snow mode. When a car starts on icy/snowy or wet roads, there are high chances for poor balance and weak wheel traction. This is what the ECT snow addresses.
For better understanding, ECT snow automatically modifies the engine’s throttle response and its transmission, reducing its torque and power. As a result, the car will exhibit a gradual and slower acceleration.
This drive-assisting technology minimizes wheel spin and reduces the likelihood of a vehicle skidding, particularly in slippery conditions. Furthermore, it ensures a better balance in power output between all four wheels.
The ECT Snow is present in the Highlander, Landcruiser, Camry, and Avensis. Also, the Lexus brand, owned by Toyota, possesses this feature, especially in some of its cars in the RX, LS, and GX series.
How Does ECT Snow Work?
When starting a car, the transmission automatically begins from the first gear, i.e., gear one. The first gear has high torque, sending massive power to the wheels to get the car moving.
However, the torque is often too much on slippery surfaces such as snow to enjoy much traction. Consequently, there can be insufficient power balance across the wheels and the possibility of wheel spins (and skidding).
When the ECT snow is enabled, the car’s transmission reconfigures to ignore the high-power first gear and start at a higher gear (i.e., second gear) than the norm. Furthermore, it alters the entire shift pattern.
When the car is in motion and the gas pedal is depressed sharply, the gear down-shifts to avoid a sudden change in engine power.
When Should You Use ECT Snow?
Having understood what the ECT snow is and how it works, the next question that will pop up in most minds is, “When should drivers use it?” The ECT snow is suitable for the following three scenarios, all of which relate to slippery surfaces.
Snowy Or Icy Roads
Starting a car and accelerating from a stationary position can cause low traction, wheel spin, and skidding. The ECT snow lets drivers enjoy excellent wheel traction on snowy or icy roads since less torque is transferred to the wheels when starting up.
When activated, power across the wheels is distributed appropriately even as the car’s speed increases. In addition, the transmission is smoother with minimal jerks and a sudden increase in speed.
Driving In Traffic
The ECT Snow is not only helpful in slippery circumstances but also in improving one’s experience when driving in traffic. Traffic conditions can be frustrating for a driver and the car itself. Jerking is likely as the car accelerates and slows down intermittently.
Using the ECT Snow in a stop-start situation can ensure smoother movement as the transmission sends low torque to the wheels. There isn’t any need to keep moving from the first to second gear every time in traffic. At least, the ECT snow mode makes the situation more bearable.
Stuck In Mud
Mud is another abnormal condition that requires a high degree of experience. The ECT button makes things easier by following the same principle of adjusting a car’s transmission.
Minimal torque is essential to get a car out and moving in this scenario. Therefore, the wheels get low torque and grip better in mud particles to get the vehicle in motion.
FAQs
1. How fast can you go on ECT snow?
Although ECT snow may alter a car’s transmission, the tool doesn’t force any speed restriction. In a nutshell, drivers can go as fast as they like.
2. Can I turn on snow mode while driving?
Yes, snow mode can be engaged while driving, even when the car is in motion. Notwithstanding, drivers should be able to envisage the situation via weather forecasts and activate it before it is truly needed.
3. Does ECT snow save gas?
Yes. The ECT snow feature improves a car’s stability on the road by reducing the torque while accelerating, especially when starting. Therefore, it will save some gas.
4. What driving mode is best for snow?
Poor road conditions require extra caution regardless of the driving mode engaged. Note that vehicles are more likely to skid in such situations.
For light snow (or rain), the front-wheel-drive (FWD) is a suitable, less expensive setup. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup can perform excellently when the snow condition appears normal.
The four-wheel-drive system (4WD) is the best in harsher circumstances where speed isn’t needed. On the other hand, the last two setups put extra weight on the car and reduce fuel economy.
Conclusion
Slippery roads are often a problem for drivers, with some cars experiencing poor traction and wheel spin. However, with the ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) snow, one can keep the car moving smoothly even in the worst conditions. The ECT Snow button on most Toyota cars is very effective when driving on snowy, icy, or wet roads. Hence, there is no reason not to use it at all.
