Four-wheel drive in winter: pros and cons

The advantages of using a car with all-wheel drive axles in winter include:

• better grip;
• the ability to move across rough terrain and snowy roads;
• stability on sharp turns.

There are also some downsides:

• the cost of maintenance is higher;
• high fuel consumption.

All-wheel drive car: winter driving

Many people believe that all-wheel drive cars are not afraid of skidding and ice. Undoubtedly, such cars hold the road well, they are more stable. But still, there are nuances of driving in winter with all-wheel drive that should be taken into account. This is the only way to eliminate the likelihood of problems:

• Avoid sudden manipulations. Do not accelerate or brake strongly at high speed.
• If you need to pull out from the side of the road, you should do so at a speed of 30 km/h and no more.
• When approaching dangerous areas, you need to reduce speed. You need to press the brake pedal briefly (once). It is forbidden to brake sharply, as the car may skid.
• It is imperative to slow down before turns.

How to drive a four-wheel drive in winter correctly?

Wondering how to drive in winter with a four-wheel drive? Here are some recommendations…

• In winter, the steering wheel of a car with permanent all-wheel drive must be turned smoothly and very carefully. Do not move abruptly.
• You should drive at some distance from the sidewalks, as there is usually a lot of snow there. This is why the likelihood of getting stuck increases.
• You shouldn’t stop on the rise. Otherwise, the car may get stuck.

How to drive a 4WD car on ice?

To drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on ice and avoid an accident, do not increase the speed excessively. The main danger of driving on a slippery road is skidding. In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, skidding can be easily dealt with. It is enough to simply release the gas.

As for a four-wheel drive vehicle, you need to act differently. Initially, you need to add a little gas. After that, the steering wheel should be turned in the direction of the skid. As soon as the driver regains control of the car, he should return it to the track.

To avoid problems when moving on ice, you need to calculate your speed in advance. This must be done before entering a turn, before going downhill or uphill. You should turn the steering wheel very carefully. Otherwise, you can lose control.

Driving a 4WD in Winter: How to Prepare

Of course, it is important to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle correctly during the cold season. But it is equally important to prepare it for winter. So, you need to:

• Replace consumables. It is recommended to change fuel, air and oil filters, as well as oil. It is important to take into account the recommendations prepared by the car manufacturers.
• Assess the battery’s performance. If it discharges quickly enough, it should be replaced. You should choose a similar model.
• Replace antifreeze. It is very important to use antifreeze that is suitable for the winter period of the year.
• Install winter tires on the wheels. Do not drive on slippery or snowy roads with summer tires.
• Check the brake system. It should function normally. Worn discs or pads should be replaced.

If you prepare your all-wheel drive vehicle for winter well and use it correctly, you can reduce the likelihood of an accident. Additionally, experts advise practicing driving through difficult sections and turns with difficult conditions. This should be done with an instructor on closed tracks.