Driving a 4x4 in winter - tips?
Discussion
I guess on the face of it this may seem a daft question, but I'm sure we've all sat in our cars in the snow muddling along in bewilderment whilst someone in a 4x4/SUV canes it past, seemingly invincible or oblivious to the laws of physics.
I currently have a Freelander 2, which I'd have thought will be pretty capable if we get any snow, but other than knowing it's a 4WD (or is it AWD, not entirely sure!) and has an automatic gearbox and a knob in the centre console (some might sat there's also one in the drivers seat) that lets me select things like "Snow", "Mud" and "Grass".
So, in the same way that there are tips when driving a RWD BMW in snow, are there any for getting the most out of something that should be in its element in such weather?
I'm quite looking forward to it tbh but sods law says we won't get any now
I currently have a Freelander 2, which I'd have thought will be pretty capable if we get any snow, but other than knowing it's a 4WD (or is it AWD, not entirely sure!) and has an automatic gearbox and a knob in the centre console (some might sat there's also one in the drivers seat) that lets me select things like "Snow", "Mud" and "Grass".
So, in the same way that there are tips when driving a RWD BMW in snow, are there any for getting the most out of something that should be in its element in such weather?
I'm quite looking forward to it tbh but sods law says we won't get any now
1. Winter tyres.
2. When it snows find a deserted car park and find the limits of the car and see how easily is slides.
3. Check your braking distances on a straight road.
4. Leave a HUGE amount of space between you and the car in front.
On a freelander, just press the snow button, drive slowly and sensibly, and the car should take care of the rest.
2. When it snows find a deserted car park and find the limits of the car and see how easily is slides.
3. Check your braking distances on a straight road.
4. Leave a HUGE amount of space between you and the car in front.
On a freelander, just press the snow button, drive slowly and sensibly, and the car should take care of the rest.
Thanks. Mostly common sense which is always reassuring. I didn't know (I'm sure it's in the book and the electronics probably won't let you do anything daft) if the "Snow" mode switch was only suitable for low speeds, but I think I'm confusing the old fashioned hi/lo gearboxes with an electronics package.
The knob is terrain response, it sets the car up to reset conditions to help you drive in off road/snow situations.
Snow mode will help with throttle openings etc when setting off. Just remember that it weights nearly 2 tonnes, so leave extra distance between you and the car in front. Also if possible try and not stop half way up hills, setting back off can be interesting if you stop on an ice patch
Other than dont drive like a dick, leave room and take it slowly, you will be fine.
Also, check your owners hand book, it will explain how terrain response works and give you tips on off road driving and how to do it properly without damaging your pride/car. My 04 freeby has it so im certain yours will as well.
Snow mode will help with throttle openings etc when setting off. Just remember that it weights nearly 2 tonnes, so leave extra distance between you and the car in front. Also if possible try and not stop half way up hills, setting back off can be interesting if you stop on an ice patch
Other than dont drive like a dick, leave room and take it slowly, you will be fine.
Also, check your owners hand book, it will explain how terrain response works and give you tips on off road driving and how to do it properly without damaging your pride/car. My 04 freeby has it so im certain yours will as well.
Just stick it in snow mode and drive however the conditions dictate.
Having lived with an FL2 through two fairly bad winters in the North East, I can assure you're they're bloody handy. The standard tyres aren't the best, I replaced ours with Grabbers and they were superb.
It made light work of many a supposedly impassible lane, and several 1 in 3 banks between my house and my sisters that had been nicely polished by the idiots who think that sitting there spinning the wheels is the way to tackle such things. Couldn't fault it at all really.
Having lived with an FL2 through two fairly bad winters in the North East, I can assure you're they're bloody handy. The standard tyres aren't the best, I replaced ours with Grabbers and they were superb.
It made light work of many a supposedly impassible lane, and several 1 in 3 banks between my house and my sisters that had been nicely polished by the idiots who think that sitting there spinning the wheels is the way to tackle such things. Couldn't fault it at all really.
rhinochopig said:
Remember that the gizmos and AWD just make the accident happen at a much higher speed when you find the icy bit where no amount of electrickery and snow tyres will help
Indeed Trust me, I have no intention of being the tosser who thought his 4x4 made Newton and Einstein obsolete.Caruso said:
Remember that you have the same brakes as a normal car. So while you have more ability to gain speed in snow and ice due to 4x4 you don't have any better stopping ability.
You can use the 4WD system to your advantage here (assuming the freelander has the right kind of 4WD system?). Assuming you have the time to plan, leave the car in a low-ish gear and use engine braking + a bit of foot brake to slow you (up to but not beyond the point where ABS cuts in). The engine braking will keep the wheels turning, which will help prevent them sliding. Certainly when descending slippery hills this is the best tactic.Comments on the above welcomed.
The 4x4 with winter tyres will get you further than you would otherwise, but just keep in mind that grip levels are still low, braking will still take longer, and you just have to take as much care as you would normally.
With thatnin mind I tend to run RWD rather than use the 4WD and like to slide it everywhere!
With thatnin mind I tend to run RWD rather than use the 4WD and like to slide it everywhere!
From my experience with 4 x 4s and normal cars the usual rules apply - don't do anything suddenly or viciously. Steer gentle, brake gentle, accelerate gentle. Leave room.
You might want to put the auto box into a set gear when cornering on hard packed snow or ice to stop it from changing down mid corner, but otherwise it's the same as any normal car except for more traction.
You might want to put the auto box into a set gear when cornering on hard packed snow or ice to stop it from changing down mid corner, but otherwise it's the same as any normal car except for more traction.
varsas said:
You can use the 4WD system to your advantage here (assuming the freelander has the right kind of 4WD system?). Assuming you have the time to plan, leave the car in a low-ish gear and use engine braking + a bit of foot brake to slow you (up to but not beyond the point where ABS cuts in). The engine braking will keep the wheels turning, which will help prevent them sliding. Certainly when descending slippery hills this is the best tactic.
On my 4WD Audi with normal road tyres, engine braking is the only way slow down on snow and ice.paddyhasneeds said:
It does have a manual mode. Is the auto box likely to be crap with hills then or is it just that you have a little more control manually, even without a clutch?
Well, like you would in a manual car/4x4, throwing it down a few gears, be it auto or manual, and you can use the engine to brake, and control your speed downhill, without having to touch the brakes. Use them if you can.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff