my first time driving in snow

Thanks for pointing this essential element out.
I laugh all the time when the burly he-men with the lift kit and oversize tires stare at me from the ditch while I drive by.
Big tires, M/T tires are worse than street tires in snow/ice.
In snow country, you see the smart drivers with pizza cutter tires on.
In re OP, go to a deserted parking lot and learn your car's performance threshold.
Don't learn it on the street with other drivers.
Please.

 

Oh boy... you are going to have fun!

1) You are normally in TRAC mode... A light limited slip with engine output regulation that helps you get moving from a stop, or accelerating on slippery roads.

2) Push the button... you are now in TRAC OFF mode and have activated AUTO LSD. This is a stronger limited slip because there is no engine regulation. This also turns off the VSC until you reach 30 mph. Use AUTO LSD if you are stuck as it transfers torque faster to the traction tire and with no engine power regulation gives you more power to get out!

3) IF you ever want the tires to spin freely without any limited slip action: Press and HOLD DOWN the button, while STOPPED until the lights come on telling you you are in the VSC OFF mode... You now are in old style open differential mode.

Here's the Toyota chart:

 

OMG -- Glad I went old school with my 4WD/4cyl/5 Spd.

Your explanation above is great....but that chart gives me a headache trying to take it all in!

 

I love the snow driving in Colorado! just not a fan of the -15 tonight

 

thanks man for the info wonder why my salesman never told me about it?

 

I used to drive that route on 287 from Broomfield to Longmont for work everyday. You should of seen it during the blizzard of 2006. It looked like a scene out of 'The Day After Tomorrow' on that hill between the main street in Broomfield and Dillon Rd. Cars left everywhere with just a wide enough path to drive around them. Only in Colorado.

 

I came here to TW a year ago to find out because my salesman couldn't tell me either... ain't it great!?

 

Like they should actually be knowledgeable about that 30K vehicle you're spending your hard earned money on...WHERE THE HECK IS THIS WORLD GOING???