I'm interested in the experiences of others with traction control on loose surfaces (sand in particular).
I have a Vauxhall Zafira with traction control - not something I particularly wanted to have (RWD and limited slip diff would be my choice.....), especially as there's no override switch. On ice and what little snow there was last winter it was generally useful.
However, this summer was caught out by the traction control while driving along a beach (this was in Ireland - the car park was the beach............). The problem was that the traction control stopped the wheels spinning, which prevented the wheels cutting through the inch or two of soft sand to the firmer sand underneath. There I was sitting with my foot on the accelerator and the front of the car was shaking away as the traction control cut in and out rapidly. I had no problem getting started with a good old human-powered push. But it seemed to me that the traction control had effectively stopped the car from moving in the first place!!
Anyone had a similar experience? I'm particularly interested to hear from someone who has turned the traction control off and found the going was better without it (or worse!). I'd also be interested to hear if it's possible to fit an override switch - Vauxhall have not replied to my questions so far.
I'm wondering if I'd have the same problem on "the wrong kind of snow" (i.e. soft powdery variety)!