Driving in snow renders all sensors useless?
 

Does it seem odd that all the safety and driver aid sensors are not heated or protected from snow and ice accumulation? Everything is rendered useless when driving in winter conditions, or am I missing something?

Not sure any sensors are snow-proof, bug-proof and dirt-proof. Weren't on my BMWs. I think the Q8 has washers on the front radar, and the night vision on my Q7 has a washer that activates with the headlight washers come on, but any sensor can be overcome by external events - no heater is going to trump what would probably be -30 F when driving 40 mph in 0 degree snowy weather, pretty common in these parts. I just realize the limitations of the current technology, and drive the car myself when the sensors cut off - probably a good idea when there's enough snow and ice on the road to block the sensors.

Eventually, when self driving cars are the norm, sensors will have to be self cleaning and clearing. But we're not there yet so for now we have to get out and manually clear those sensors as needed.

Who's going to clear the road markings? :D

I hear that in the extreme northern climes, the plow drivers rely on GPS to keep them on the road when visually impaired by the elements. I know this has nothing to do with sensors but it's a technology used in place of.

I'm not a Q8 expert but on the A8 the laser scanner does have a heated element and should melt ice. It's part of the ACC system. If the Q8 has a laser scanner, it's the same deal.

That said poor performance of the system is bad conditions is why I did not buy the Driver's Assistance Package at all.

My laser scanners failed while driving in crappy weather last week and haven't come back online, despite getting the car washed and all other sensor systems back to normal.

Guess I will have to take it into the dealer to fix.