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When you start out in first gear on a slippery surface, the high torque from the gear multiplication makes the road wheels slip easily.

With second gear start activated (or using the 2 position on Ford or Kia vehicles), the gear ratio is different. Now the slippage tends to occur in the torque converter before the road wheels slip.

Be sure to switch off the second gear start when you have good pavement. Otherwise, you can overheat the transmission.

I have been using this for winter driving since 1994.

Note that the 2 position on GM, Chrysler, and Hyundai vehicles does NOT prevent the car from starting in first gear.

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12y ago

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