Winter/Cold Driving
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
A lot of people have this opinion in one form or another and I really can't understand it. It's like saying that if there's enough snow on the roads to need tread on your tires that you shouldn't be out anyway, so there's no reason to replace your bald tires.
People seem to think that 4WD only helps you get going when you should probably be parked. But it also makes the truck more stable in snow. It even helps older trucks stop straighter (it makes it impossible to lock up one axle which was pretty easy in older trucks, less of a factor with anti-lock brakes though). So if you have 4WD, USE IT! Just like you would put better tires on if you had them available.
That doesn't mean you should think your truck is invincible in 4WD and you should drive 95 mph in 6" of snow. It helps, but only so much. But still, it helps, so why wouldn't you accept that help?
People seem to think that 4WD only helps you get going when you should probably be parked. But it also makes the truck more stable in snow. It even helps older trucks stop straighter (it makes it impossible to lock up one axle which was pretty easy in older trucks, less of a factor with anti-lock brakes though). So if you have 4WD, USE IT! Just like you would put better tires on if you had them available.
That doesn't mean you should think your truck is invincible in 4WD and you should drive 95 mph in 6" of snow. It helps, but only so much. But still, it helps, so why wouldn't you accept that help?
agree with this 100%
many times when driving in snow around town I’ll put it in 4wd just for those reasons - stability, control, etc. Helps keep the back end from slipping sideways into someone when starting from a traffic light on slick pavement
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
In Wyoming we have what is called "Chain Law - Level 2" which means your vehicle, by law, has to be in 4wd -or- you have to have tire chains on. Doesn't mean you shouldn't be on the highway, just means you have to follow the law.
No unnecessary travel is when it gets dicey, and HP will pull you over and make sure that it really is necessary that you are on the roads.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 17
From: Central Indiana
I now live in Central Indiana so The Buffalo has seen its first snow. I left the hubs engaged when the white stuff was falling consistently but as soon as I saw blacktop, the hubs were unlocked. BTW,. I use Wrangler Duratrac tires, just incredible in the snow. Didn't use 4WD that much, to be honest. Our city does plow the major roads but not so much in the residential neighborhoods. The side street next to my house did not see a plow all winter,
And my personal opinion is, if you need 4WD on the highway, you probably should be at home, drinking a warm beverage. Just sayin'
My $0.02 USD worth. YMMV.
And my personal opinion is, if you need 4WD on the highway, you probably should be at home, drinking a warm beverage. Just sayin'
My $0.02 USD worth. YMMV.
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FordMaverickFan
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Dec 21, 2011 12:21 PM
