The 4x4 that I have, gives me the ability to "lock" the differential. I understand that you do this for true 4x4 driving, but I'm confused as to when I should use it. I read, never on dry pavement and only in certain circumstances. If a road is totally icy, should I use it? Should I only use it when I have to and then turn it off immediately??? Anyone "really" know???
2006-11-08 10:17:37 · 4 answers · asked by TommyC 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
So it sounds like I only need it if I get stuck in snow or sand...but what if a road is totally icy and snowy? Should I use it, or just wait until I'm stuck in a snow bank?
2006-11-10 11:30:47 · update #1
I've had 14 4wd vehicles.
Use diff lock only when you think you're going to really get stuck in mud or sand or ice/snow. Turn it off immediately you can regain traction without it.
The reason you must not use it on hard surfaces is that you lock the axles and if you make even a small turn, the stress on the half shafts can potentially snap one of them. This is because the wheel on the inner side of a turn turns slower than the wheel on the outer curve.
Hope this helps, diff locks are great in certain situations, but normally you wouldn't need them.
2006-11-08 10:24:16 · answer #1 · answered by fed up with stupid questions 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most 4x4s never use the 4x4 . Four wheel drive is mostly used when you go off rode. Also if you go mudding. Mudding iw ahen you drive off road in the mud.
If you are a wheekend 4 wheeler and live in a ruff aera where you have to climb over rocks or love to go off road into the desert or that weekend into the woods by all means use the 4x4 featherrre.
If you are say stuck in a hole and need to get out put it into the 4x4 wheel drive.
2006-11-08 18:24:54 · answer #2 · answered by goldwing127959 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you will know, if you need all 4 for pulling ,climbing, and what not then engage them if the vehicle has a 4 wheel high leaver you can drive on the dry pavement and freeway speeds and need not to worry except for fuel consumption, 4 wheel lock low is for climbing at low speeds , and you will have rpm's and horsepower and you will go slow but you can climb almost anywhere, if you broke a rear drive shaft you can remove it and lock the hubs and drive on just the front till you get it repaired? don't get all panickiest only there if you need it
2006-11-09 07:30:25 · answer #3 · answered by Mechanical 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only use it when you are stuck, and yes, turn it off as soon as you no longer need it. Any time you turn the wheels need to travel different speeds and the locking differential prevents that. Hope that helps.
-Jeff
2006-11-08 18:28:21 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋