Does four wheel drive actually help in snowy/icy weather? I read the car manual, and it says that 4WD provides more traction, but some guys at work told my husband that it doesn't really make a difference.
I believe that it's the careless driving BECAUSE you think you're safe with 4WD that removes any benefits the 4WD might provide. Does anyone know for real?
2006-12-04 14:19:26 · 12 answers · asked by xgravity23 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Should you ever find yourself watching the winter car-rallies in Sweden or Finland, you would be absolutely mesmerised by the traction those guys (and gals) enjoy on ice and snow; even without studded-tyres, if they happen to be on snow in somewhere like England.
A two-wheel-drive machine is just left floundering.
However, there is a huge difference between a really well designed four-wheel-drive system such as that found on vehicles like Subarus and Audis, and the much cruder all-wheel-drive systems. The really good systems feed just the right amount of power to each wheel, and with electronic traction control included, the wheels will not spin pointlessly.
As other answerers have pointed out, actually stopping a four-wheel-drive vehicle is every bit as tricky as stopping any other vehicle on snow and ice.
As for tyres, there is no substitute for snow tyres with block-pattern tread and softer rubber at low temperatures.
It is because of tyre technology, combined with sophisticated, electronically controlled four-wheel-drive systems, that the rally driver can go so fast and in perfect control..........but it takes a while to learn how to drive safely on ice and snow at 100mph!
Don't even try it unless you happen to own a lake which freezes over in winter!
If you do, let me know, and we'll have fun.
2006-12-05 11:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by musonic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It only works if you let it do the work for you. My first experience with a 4WD vehicle was a little scary - it was the kind that only kicks in if the front wheels slip - and the front end started to slide when the rear wheels kicked in and flung me around the other direction. Whoa. But you are dead on with your careless driving statement. All these yahoos....uh, I mean maniacs....who think they're invincible because they have 4WD are the ones who usually end up in the ditch. If you have it, don't try to "over" drive the car. Let the system work for you and you'll be fine.
2006-12-04 14:31:40 · answer #2 · answered by seamless1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've been a 4WD owner for many years. One thing a lot of people don't realize is 4WD only helps you get started easier. It does absolutely nothing for steering or stopping. Folks around here with 4WD's drive like a bat out of H... on icy road and if you say anything to them, they reply "I've got 4 wheel drive" again 4wd gives you better starting power but nothing on handling or stopping.
2006-12-04 14:32:34 · answer #3 · answered by notadeadbeat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On Snow it helps tremendously... on ice nothing helps unless you're in a tank. 4WD is exactly that 4 wheel drive, not 4 wheel stop, so its really up to the driver to know their limits and the limits of their vehicle. Having the right tires in a lot of cases helps more than you'd think as well. Ulitmately, there is really no substitute for common sense and safe winter driving.
2006-12-04 17:08:45 · answer #4 · answered by Porterhouse 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
4 wheel drive helps, but I don't think you should use it until absolutely necessary.
I've pulled out many 4 wheel drive vehicles (usually with a 2 wheel drive) that got stuck because the owners thought they couldn't get stuck and didn't drive intelligently. And when a 4WD gets stuck it's usually VERY stuck.
4WD can be a big help and I really like the ones I've owned, but it doesn't beat smart driving.
2006-12-04 16:54:45 · answer #5 · answered by dropkick 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fore wheel drive provides much better traction and can get you around much better in the snow and ice.You can get around but you still have to stop . Your right some people think they can do anything because they have 4wd.I had no trouble getting around in the snow in my explore this past week in the northwest.I even towed some people out of ditches with it. You still have to drive carefully and leave lots of stopping shape but I know of no 2wd car or truck that gets better traction the a 4x4 Your husbands buddy is sadly mistaken
2006-12-04 14:28:55 · answer #6 · answered by Rudedude 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep, because all the wheels spin giving more traction over all 4 wheels! :p You cant do much in bad weather, it is still dangerous 4WD or not.
2006-12-04 14:30:08 · answer #7 · answered by cc ccddcdcdcdcccdcdc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had 4 4x4's and Loved them you have to know of course how to use it but when I was stuck in the snow I always got out and I also have a very long driveway so it was Great.I know have a ford focus front wheel drive which is Great never got stuck with it.I also carry a bag of kitty littler in my car just in case you can put it in front and in back of your tires if you are on ice or do happen to get stuck it does wonders.!!!!!!
2006-12-04 14:31:27 · answer #8 · answered by Dew 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ya, 4WD makes a HUGE difference for me. I can actually get out of the driveway when it is snowing.
2006-12-04 14:22:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes in snow or mud it can make a huge difference
2006-12-04 14:35:22 · answer #10 · answered by Eyebee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋