going down a slippery hill

[pinball]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Dec 10 2006, 01:09 PM) [snapback]359997[/snapback]</div>

A thing or two have changed in automotive technology since the old VW!
True - but I reckon the principle is the same

Namely, ABS and VSC. The risk of skidding, even with firm braking, is markedly reduced with these.
Agreed.

I do, however, fully agree that if one is going to use B-mode (which I still see no point in b/c of the ABS) that it should not be used to slow down once one has gained momentum...start it at the top as a speed control measure down the slope or not at all.
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I guess we're down to this: Is B-mode + ABS + VSC safer on a steep icy slope than just ABS + VSC ?
I say Yes........... but then I say tomhato 'n you say tomato

[tjoe78]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tjoe78 @ Dec 9 2006, 07:46 AM) [snapback]359668[/snapback]</div>

Going down a 1/2 mile yest. road was really sloppy--the trac. control light kept flashing the whole way--really scared me--never had it stay on so long. Kept light pressure on the brakes. I was able to stop almost at the end where I have to turn. I have winter tires. Would it be better to shift to B?
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The slip control light was on, no beeping--I was going less than 25--so is that traction or VSC? The ABS was not on--I know what the pulsating feels like--it was not doing that. Sounds like some think B would be good at the TOP of the hill, while others say no. My husband is always saying the Prius has no compression going down a hill--always picks up speed. In all my previous cars (AT Hondas), I'd shift down at the top of the hill, and that would slow me down. The B mode is EXTREMELY noisy, and I think that scares me more!!