fred@varian.UUCP (Fred Klink) (01/04/85)
> Actually, if you read the manual, you'll find that all but a handful > of cars give you 1st AND 2nd (like an automatic 2-speed) when you choose > "2". Thus, there is no way to start up in 2nd gear with an auto trans > (very useful in the snow/ice). I have owned several automatics, Ford and GM, over the last 8 years and all but one was able to start in second gear. If you have one that forces first gear starts in all shift positions the alternative for snow and ice starts is reverse (provided there's nothing behind you!). Reverse is usually geared so high it may be more effective than second and pulling the majority of the car's weight (rear wheel drive of course), seems more effective than pushing it in low traction situtations. (I know its hard to accept such advice from a Californian, but I grew up and learned to drive in Chicago.)