Winter Driving with 4-wheel Drive Vehicles
Just because you have 4-wheel drive don't get lulled into a false sense of security. 4-wheel drive vehicles are not better equipped to stop quickly on icy/snowy roads. This feature is solely for gaining better traction and control in terrible conditions, not for stopping on a dime. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, this was something ground into me. From an early age, I can remember my parents pointing out vehicles with 4-wheel drive flying passed us on the highway, and there was always the comment made of how they will end up in a ditch further down the road for driving like a royal... well you know what! A few times we did sadly see the same vehicle going at breakneck speeds earlier spun off or even flipped upside down on the roadside later. Understanding what 4-wheel drive does for you as a driver and how to use it is very important!
In this video, put out by O'Reilly Auto Parts, you can learn about the differences as well as the pros and cons of 4WD, AWD, and 2WD.
Remember, that 4-wheel or all-wheel vehicles do not make you invincible in the snow. You have an advantage when it come to initially gain traction but when your sliding across the snow or ice it won't make it so you stop better or faster! Be safe out there; go slow, increase following distances, don't brake hard and be considerate of everyone on the road.
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