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Old 08-10-2021, 01:05 AM   #1
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Terrain selectors

Just saw an ad for Nissan Rogue extolling the virtues of their terrain selector. My Toyota has a similar button.
Do you think that button is connected to anything, or is it just there to make you feel like you're in control? After all, these vehicles are equipped with computers that sense wheel slippage and adjust to compensate.

I read that that button in an elevator that closes the doors, or opens them, is just their to make you feel better - doesn't actually do anything.
Might it be the same if I select "sand" or "snow" in my Highlander?
I know that "Sport" mode tightens the steering on my vehicle and I prefer that to "Eco" when on a highway, but I'm not sure how one would determine if "Snow" or "Sand" was doing anything.
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Old 08-10-2021, 01:51 AM   #2
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No, I don't think manufacturers are installing and deceptively advertising a 'placebo button'; if nothing else they'd risk doubtless reputation and revenue-damaging exposure at the hands of enthusiast publications which evaluate such things as a matter of course (likely promptly followed by the pesky/costly 'class-action industry').

There are of course notorious cases of auto-manufacturer deception, but IMO (YMMV) this isn't an arena where that's likely to be prevalent.

Methinks the 'terrain selector' and similar buttons are bona-fide, making (perhaps subtle) changes in how the the default 'traction management' is employed in many cases. I've read independent white papers describing this in some interesting detail relating to my Honda Ridgeline, Wikipedia's Gen 2 Ridgeline article discusses it a bit, including a graphic to illustrate how different 'terrain mode' selections alter behavior of various systems. The various systems are usually already in-place, they have to develop a default algorithm for making these things work together anyway, it's too easy to add alternate selectable algorithms and a selector button.

Then the marketing folks slap fancy names on it and use it to try to distinguish their vehicle from the similar competition in the cutthroat market - it's the big automotive game, ya know?

As to how effective or meaningful this stuff is for most (or any) drivers ..... well, that's another topic entirely
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Old 08-10-2021, 05:04 AM   #3
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It works on Toyotas


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Old 08-10-2021, 11:13 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Just saw an ad for Nissan Rogue extolling the virtues of their terrain selector. My Toyota has a similar button.
Do you think that button is connected to anything, or is it just there to make you feel like you're in control? After all, these vehicles are equipped with computers that sense wheel slippage and adjust to compensate.

I read that that button in an elevator that closes the doors, or opens them, is just their to make you feel better - doesn't actually do anything.
Might it be the same if I select "sand" or "snow" in my Highlander?
I know that "Sport" mode tightens the steering on my vehicle and I prefer that to "Eco" when on a highway, but I'm not sure how one would determine if "Snow" or "Sand" was doing anything.
What it does is change parameters for the programming of those computers. Yes, those changes can be very significant; in the case of traction-related settings for sand, it usually means allowing more wheel slip, which is required in loose material. The difference should be apparent if stopped and trying to move again in deep sand, but testing risks needing a tow.

Elevator door open/close buttons work - as I know from experience - but the opening and closing are controlled by so many other factors (timing, presence detected in doorway, call button pushed, etc) that in many cases pressing them is ignored.
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