anyone driven the cx-7 in the snow

[blubyu21117]

just wondering if anyone has driven the cx-7 in the snow ??
curious to see how the awd works

[1Sleepy93]

Not yet but mine is FWD so I wouldn't be any help in that department. I expect it to be pretty damn good though as long as your not having too much fun with the turbo. ;)

[CX7_Scott]

Makes me wish I had studded snow-tires. I have the AWD.

QUESTION: I know that the AWD light will illuminate if you are having ISSUES with it... (per the manual)... but will there be any visual indication that it kicks-in under poor traction conditions...?

With my Town & Country... the TCS (Traction Control System) light would illuminate when it kicked-in under poor conditions. It was helpful to know - lets the driver understand that the conditions are present.

I guess we won't know until the snow hits and we find-out for ourselves or someone posts it. :)

Bring-on the white stuff!

(snow) ;)

-sf

[cruzdreamer]

Please....no snow on the streets yet!! We had our first snow about a week a ago....melted pretty fast though. That's enough for me!!!

[G-Papi]

First snow is (hopefully) about a month away here.

I believe the AWD and TCS systems are completely different setups. TCS, as I understood it, cut power to a spinning wheel in orser to maintain a straight pull. The TCS light would illuminate (and you could often feel) it at work when it was activated by one wheel rotating faster than the other one on the same axle.

I believe the AWD system is a full-time system with TCS integrated into it.

Somebody help me out here if I'm wrong.

[G-Papi]

I correct myself. It's listed as part time AWD. Nevertheless, TCS is a seperate issue.

[CX7_Scott]

No no - I understand that they're different...

But the implementation is the same - when the front wheels loose traction, the rear wheels will be given power to offset... The car is called AWD, but it's really front-wheel drive until the rear wheels are necessary to engage under poor traction conditions.

My question is if the indicator light will illuminate whenever the AWD is engaged (even momentarilly) or will it "just happen" and not give the driver any visual indication...?

In addition... I wonder how "intricate" the system is; if the passenger-front tire looses traction, will it just give power to BOTH rear wheels, or just one if only necessary...? The technology intrigues me.

[G-Papi]

It does seem to be an intricate setup. Since I've done some "spirited" driving in wet conditions, I'm positive that mine has been activated to some extent 'cause I did feel a momentary slip of the front tires (once).

It seems that at least some AWD engagement is present under all acceleration, and that it's increased on a graduated scale, according to slippage of the front wheels.

I've looked at the instrument cluster for an activation indicator light, but can't seem to find one.

[CX7_Scott]

I presumed that it "might" be the AWD light on the cluster (you'll see it light when the car first statrs-up). But maybe it will be like you said... it just engages when necessary without telling the driver.

Not that it matters either way - it's just curiosity on my part.

-sf

[1Sleepy93]

To my knowledge it only lights if there is a problem with the AWD system. Otherwise it's ment to transfer the power without your knowing.

[cruzdreamer]

CX7 Scott...I believe you are correct....It is FWD until conditions warrant the AWD in the AWd vehicles.

[tree20s25]

n=did not drive in the snow, just got it, but I'm really looking foward to it. my old car sucked, half an inch of snow and I could only do about 15 to 20 mph, without sliding.

Cx-7 GT, AWD, liquid platnium

[koala]

I got mine in December (start of winter here in Canada)... it handled the winter just fine.

If I were keeping it long term I'd probably buy winter tires for it (and then I imagine it would be a beast in winter)... but it really wasn't bad at all with the all season's. Just need to be cautious under braking on ice, as you should with any vehicle in slippery conditions.

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

What's snow? ;)

[UpNorth]

What's snow? ;)


A) that stuff in little globes that tourist like to shake.
B) it's what air conditioning aspires to.
C) polar bear camo

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

A) that stuff in little globes that tourist like to shake.
B) it's what air conditioning aspires to.
C) polar bear camo
hahaha... well I moved to to central texas where we dont have issues with tumbleweeds, but let me tell ya--those things can tear UP a car's paint! little thorny bush skeletons they are...cute until you see one as big as a miata bound across the road (nailbyt)

[UpNorth]

hahaha... well I moved to to central texas where we dont have issues with tumbleweeds, but let me tell ya--those things can tear UP a car's paint! little thorny bush skeletons they are...cute until you see one as big as a miata bound across the road (nailbyt)

Nothing like having a car you like to test your love of nature.

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Nothing like having a car you like to test your love of nature.

Aye Aye, Captain! ;) (wrc)

[RudyPCA]

When needed, there is an indicator light on the dash -- spedometer (?) that blinks (either AWD or 4WD).

I notice a delay when AWD kicks in, which is alarming if you're darting onto a busy street and the car delays halfway through the turn. This is one aspect in which I feel the system on the Tribute (where you can push a button and "lock in" the AWD) is superior.

[Mazda3]

When needed, there is an indicator light on the dash -- spedometer (?) that blinks (either AWD or 4WD).

I notice a delay when AWD kicks in, which is alarming if you're darting onto a busy street and the car delays halfway through the turn. This is one aspect in which I feel the system on the Tribute (where you can push a button and "lock in" the AWD) is superior.

There is no delay. You must be feeling the traction control system kicking in. There is a couple of threads discussing the AWD function. Sport mode and snow mode have eliminated any delay you are feeling something else.

[AWmustang]

When needed, there is an indicator light on the dash -- spedometer (?) that blinks (either AWD or 4WD).

I notice a delay when AWD kicks in, which is alarming if you're darting onto a busy street and the car delays halfway through the turn. This is one aspect in which I feel the system on the Tribute (where you can push a button and "lock in" the AWD) is superior.

There is no indicator light to tell you that the AWD is working.

The blinking yellow light of a car with skid marks behind it tells your that the TCS or DSC is working.

I usually get to see that light when I'm getting off the freeway. It's a decreasing radius turn of 270 deg and I usually take it hard. (Unless some car in front of me is going slow.)