4WD question
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 2
From: Flat Rock, MI
You are correct! Thanks for the help!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,885
Likes: 3,420
From: Ohio
I also grew up in the northeast, in an area that gets a lot more snow than the vast majority of the rest of the northeast, and I know a thing or two about driving in the snow. I HIGHLY recommend doing donuts in snow-covered parking lots to learn how to lose and re-gain control of your vehicle. It sounds teenager-like, but it is an great way to gain valuable experience. I did this a lot when I was a kid because it was fun, but it really taught me to be a better driver. I just didn't know it at the time.
I don't have 4WD or even drive mine in the snow, but listen to Russ. He's got more miles in 4WD than nearly everyone on here.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
It is also wise to pick a smart moment to engage 4wd. Hard acceleration, and/or a sharp curve aren't probably the best moment to flip the switch/pull the lever.
Likewise, stuck with wheel(s) spinning, is bad too.
Under these, and other conditions, if only 1 front hub locks for you, hold on!.
I generally let off the pedal while shifting our Jeep and our F350, hopefully this helps parts last longer.
We'll be living at 8900 feet next winter with an average of 22 feet of snow - with 6 miles of private road to get in/out. It sometimes is wise to wait for the Excavator to plow the road
Likewise, stuck with wheel(s) spinning, is bad too.
Under these, and other conditions, if only 1 front hub locks for you, hold on!.
I generally let off the pedal while shifting our Jeep and our F350, hopefully this helps parts last longer.
We'll be living at 8900 feet next winter with an average of 22 feet of snow - with 6 miles of private road to get in/out. It sometimes is wise to wait for the Excavator to plow the road
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 23
I have a question for you guys who are experienced in snow and ice weather.
At a low speed, I've had a couple of times where, at about 15 mph, on a curve, the X would slide. Rather than just let it slide, I acclerated slightly into the proper direction and it corrected to the proper course and stopped the slide. 4WD was already engaged. Is this a potential winter driving strategy for situations where all 4 wheels are sliding and steering alone will not correct the problem?
At a low speed, I've had a couple of times where, at about 15 mph, on a curve, the X would slide. Rather than just let it slide, I acclerated slightly into the proper direction and it corrected to the proper course and stopped the slide. 4WD was already engaged. Is this a potential winter driving strategy for situations where all 4 wheels are sliding and steering alone will not correct the problem?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
steering requires friction between the front tires and the roadway/snow/ice. So, if you turn the wheel "too far - too fast" for the conditions you get understeer, the wheels are slipping in the direction the vehicle is going vs. the way the front wheels are pointed. This also can happen on dry roads, and is more desirable to the manufacturers than over-steer where the back end swings around (think dirt track racing, are the movie Cars)
To increase steering effectiveness you use the throttle to cause the front wheels to "pull" in the desired direction. THIS IS WHY Front-wheel cars are generally easier to drive in the snow.
Don't use "too much" throttle - you don't want the rear wheels to be pushing "forward" when you want the fronts to be turning.
I have front and rear lockers in my 2000 TJ (pre-ABS) and find sometimes the front wheels will stop turning (when decending a curve on a steep hill ie: 12%), especially in 4x4 LO, because the front locker keeps the wheels locked, so I keep 1 hand on the shifter to put it in neutral (auto trans) - when needed.
I also have chains for the TJ - which makes snow/ice far less trouble on our roads even with our utility trailer.
To increase steering effectiveness you use the throttle to cause the front wheels to "pull" in the desired direction. THIS IS WHY Front-wheel cars are generally easier to drive in the snow.
Don't use "too much" throttle - you don't want the rear wheels to be pushing "forward" when you want the fronts to be turning.
I have front and rear lockers in my 2000 TJ (pre-ABS) and find sometimes the front wheels will stop turning (when decending a curve on a steep hill ie: 12%), especially in 4x4 LO, because the front locker keeps the wheels locked, so I keep 1 hand on the shifter to put it in neutral (auto trans) - when needed.
I also have chains for the TJ - which makes snow/ice far less trouble on our roads even with our utility trailer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
It sometimes is wise to wait for the Excavator to plow the road
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