4 wheel drive tips?

[ClubMed]

Any experienced drivers of 4 wheel drive SUV's here?

I need some tips on driving in winter on snowy roads

(car concerened: Nissan Terrano Elegance)

[nomaxim]

Rule #1

Four-wheel drive does not mean you cannot get stuck!

It means that you have farther to walk when you do get stuck.

[DaveLewis]

Remember that you can't STOP any better just because you have 4WD. Back when I took driver's ed - yes we had cars in those days - the instructor said the best idea for winter driving was to act like there was an egg glued to the bottom of your shoe and as you use the accelerator and brake your goal is to not break the egg. In other words - easy does it. Be safe.

[daveleau]

Check to manual, dealership or a forum specific to your type of 4wd for limitations on the 4wd. In my 4wd (Jeep Cherokee), it is highly recommended that I not drive in 4wd Lo on pavement while turning as it will severely damage tires and the front axle. and if the snow is melting or being cleared away or is patchy, this is can be an issue.

[The Real Bingo]

Originally posted by ClubMed
(car concerened: Nissan Terrano Elegance)

Hmm, never heard of that car. Probably on sale only in Europe. Neat.

[Sweeper]

Drive really fast ..... if something gets in your way.... TURN!!!







j/k

[jokostel]

well when accellerating start out at a crawl and work your way up to prevent breaking loose.... since 4wd only means 2 wheels will turn when you loose traction anyways.
when braking.. test the surface your driving on first... if its loose when you hit the brakes ( aka you feel the tires grab but the truck slide) PUMP the brakes.... do not hold them to the floor ,as you will just skid to a halt..... most of the time into someones rear end.
when 4x4ing out in the boonies(outdoors for you non midwestern peeps ) always make sure where you go forward, you can always drive out in reverse. That goes especially for areas that youre not familiar with, along with getting out of the truck, lets say before you climb a hill, make sure there isnt a ditch or a huge hole covered up by the snow.. if its hardpack more than 3 or more feet deep dont even bother unless you get a good run.... with any bad luck( like Mine...hehe) youll find a "pocket" and get the truck up to the frame in snow.... when that happens I hope you got a shovel.

Anyways, just take your time... get used to the vehicle before you try and push it at all, and if the roads are icy.... leave it in 4 wheel drive...the handling suffers a little but the vehicle will be much more true in braking and driving at more of a constant speed, the only downfall is consuming a little more fuel.

[Prison Kids]

My best advice is to find an empty parking lot and practice your contolled slides, braking, turning, etc.

Make sure and toy with the brakes and acccelerator, during these things. Let loose and have some fun.

When you pull back out onto the road, you will have a 100% better feel of what to expect in the next turn/stop sign, and how to handle it.

[ClubMed]

Thanks for the advice everyone, this is the first time that I am driving a 4WD vehicle. The good think is that I can choose between 2WD and 4WD.

I guess I will need to get used to this new system. At the moment I am driving slowly most of the time.

[RedFury]

Exactly PK! This was my ( and a standard in Minnesota ) drivers ed course on winter driving, taught by me, to myself

Besides having a whole lot of fun sliding around in the snow, it teaches you the limitations of yourself and your vehicle. Parking lot follies should be mandatory for anyone concerned with winter driving.

Another rule I follow is this...Every morning I goose the car around a couple of safe corners, etc when I leave for work, wherever after a fresh snow, drop in temp, etc. This way I can get a feeling for the road conditions. If my tires slip, I take it easy. If my tires grip, I let it rip!