In snowy conditions, I would always lose traction on one wheel and have a terrible time regaining control.

Um...Klaus? Don't take this wrong way, but...why did you lose control of your vehicle because one wheel is spinning? Even a front wheel drive will still manage to steer when a single drive wheel is spinning. Actually one of the reasons I don;t like FWD, is because when your drive wheels skid, you lose your steering. IN a RWD< fishing tailing IS a way of steering.

In general I don;t like to fish tail. But, fishtailing was considered a real evasive action in a 'defensive' driving course I had to take as a very young lady. It's a very useful thing, in emergency circumstances.

I think we can agree that any sort of down shifting that causes a sudden change in wheel speed is NOT a good idea, but engine breaking is a very acceptable method of braking in slippery conditions. I do it without fail in snow, and barely ever use my brakes. I just place it in a lower gear, let off the clutch, and let the engine pull the car along. The automatic I do the exact same thing, usually placing the car in 1st to go down a hill.

I wasn't there with him, so I can't really say what I would have done. I suspect using neutral might have been an option, but again, I wasn't there to watch.
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