ive been looking online and can not find any info on it anywhere. but on the center console of my 2005 s60 to the top right cornor above the gear shifter there is a button with a W on it. when i engage it i can feel the car performing better but i am curious what this button is turninig on to enhance the performance?

 

Winter mode

 

It isn't a performance enhancer. It starts the car off in 3rd gear to make sure the tires don't spin and gain traction to the road in the snow or ice. It robs your car of its performance as it starts in 3rd gear and hinders acceleration.

 

02s60 summed it up well.

In addition, I have heard that overuse of the "W" button can be harmful to your transmission. Not sure to what extent this is valid, but I personally refrain from using it. I have an 06 FWD S60, drove it in nasty NE Ohio snow/ice this winter, never used W, and never had any issues.

I guess if you're stopped on ice, with all the low-end torque of these cars, 3rd gear start could be useful. They're heavy enough to where you shouldn't really need it most of the time though.

 

It is for Wet weather. It increases traction by altering the gears as mentioned above. I have the AWD S60, and it most definately makes a difference for me in the snow going up hill. Otherwise, I can do without. I too heard that it is not good to keep it on if not needed.

 

Just purchased a 2009 c70 automatic. . there is a space next to the shifter with a square depression. I believer that is where the "W" button should be, but it is blank and there is no mention of such a button in my manual. Has it been deleted? If so, what gear should I use for driving in snow?