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Snow driving advice

6K views 25 replies 15 participants last post by  Gus9890 
#1 ·
Hi guy's,
So winter is upon us and maybe we may get some snow. Its my first 4x4 (Quadra drive) so when I see a blanket of snow for the first time should i just leave it in 4 hi and let the diffs/transfer case sort out where traction is needed, or select 4 low and put the power to all wheels :confused:
 
#4 ·
You should never have to use 4LO for any street driving.

Just because you have 4x4 now, that does NOT mean it will stop any better than a 2wd vehicle.

Don't go around thinking you're "invincible" because you're in a 4x4 vehicle. I can not tell you how many accidents I've seen b/c someone thought having 4wd made them accident proof and they didn't use any care.
 
#5 ·
You should never have to use 4LO for any street driving.

Just because you have 4x4 now, that does NOT mean it will stop any better than a 2wd vehicle.

Don't go around thinking you're "invincible" because you're in a 4x4 vehicle. I can not tell you how many accidents I've seen b/c someone thought having 4wd made them accident proof and they didn't use any care.
Dont worry about that, Ive got a sensible head on my sholders :) I'll be driving very gently if i need to venture out in the snow. A friend at work who drives a 4x4 said sometimes your only as capable as the guy driving in front of you. If they get stuck and block the road, your stuck too !
 
#6 ·
Quadruple your distance while driving behind someone. Make sure you have tires that are capable of handling snow. The more traction you have, the better braking and control you will have (duh) :)
You wont need 4low. If you are traveling slowly down the road, you can use your gear shifter to stay in 1st gear or 2nd to keep from having your transmission looking for a gear and potentially losing what traction you have.
 
#8 · (Edited)
4 low...you might spin out and lose control.

I don't know what the WJ's have as far as gear shifting but I downshift when slowing down in snow with the WK and then brake at low speeds.

See my location. I'm no snow expert driver so correct me if I'm wrong. Downshifting just seem to work for me.
 
#9 ·
All the above is great advise. I would suggest that you attempt to drive in the snow (4hi) just for experience sake if nothing else. The more you use your
Jeep the more comfortable you be with it.
Also remember to increase your distance between the car in front of you.
And (very important) try to get a big can of smile remover. You'll need it as you gain confidence. lol
 
#15 ·
Subaru's are awesome. A LOT of steering control and handling in the snow. I've seen them haul ass in snow before. Lol.
 
#16 ·
My snow driving style:

Fire her up, let the motor idle for a min or two (clear windows get oil/water pumping), move the tranny to D and let her rip!!! :D

I have honestly never had so much fun, I done some stupid things (going in real deep snow etc) and not once did she get stuck. Find a big empty, untouched parking lot. Get in the middle, survey for kerbs (don't wanna hit those), put the tranny in 1st and go for it! I went through nearly a 1/4 tank... :eek:
 
#17 ·
I lived in England for 40 years (if not obvious im english) I now live in Canada (where we get proper snow) .
All above is excellent advice
For my two pennies worth i would get some dedicated winter tyres, they are a softer compound designed for temps below 7 degrees and excellent for wet conditions
in parts of Canada its law to have them fitted
hope this helps happy and safe driving.:thumbsup:
 
#18 ·
All of the above is spot on, but if by some miracle you do manage to get your jeep stuck, don't just floor it like some people do. Be very gentle on the gas and if you still can't get out, try using the brake pedal to control wheel spin. Using this I've never had to go for help and I've used my Jeeps to deliver newspapers on rural gravel roads for years. I've driven thousands of miles in these awesome machines through all kinds of mud, muck, snow and whiteouts without a hitch. I know I have plowed through snow up to the hood without getting stuck and had way more fun in the snow than should be allowed. :lol: The mailman may not get through, but the newspaper will!!! :D It's fun counting the stuck cars and trucks while I motor on my way!! BTW, Snow tires are definitely the way to go, but if you can't afford a second set of shoes for your Jeep, I've had great luck year round on my work Jeep with the Cooper Discoverer ATR's. They aren't all that good for serious off road, but for a pavement pounder they are great, handling snow and ice better than some cheapo snow tires I've tried and work quite well in the rain and mud too. Gravel kind of chews them up, but in my experience that is true with all tires. Have Fun!!
 
#19 ·
Like everyone said, tires are critical. I could do better in the snow w/ winter tires on my Cavalier than a 4x4 with highway tires. Tires will make or break the performance.

We don't get hardly any snow where I live (maybe 8-10 good snow storms a year). I would say that 10"-12" of snow would be a pretty decent amount here. I've never had ANY problems with my Jeep and A/T tires. If I had issues, I would get dedicated snow tires and be even better off.
 
#20 ·
The best thing you can do is what Marty suggested. Find a wide open lot on a snowy day and go "get to know" your Jeep. It'll go like hell...but like mentioned above, 4WD doesn't do chit for stopping. If anything, it makes it worse since now you're stopping a lot more vehicle than any car.
 
#21 ·
The best thing you can do is what Marty suggested. Find a wide open lot on a snowy day and go "get to know" your Jeep. It'll go like hell...but like mentioned above, 4WD doesn't do chit for stopping. If anything, it makes it worse since now you're stopping a lot more vehicle than any car.
You'll find out quickly that the Jeep handles like a lumbering elephant.
 
#24 ·
Well, I'm used to a Wrangler and an older XJ...so to me, this is MUCH better. It'll never be a WRX or a BMW though...
 
#25 ·
Yes like above said pull into snow packed parking lot and put the hammer down see how it handles. It did in my 99 laredo 4.7 QD and still do it in 09 laredo 4.7 w/QD2 and i have been driving in the snow for 25 yrs. and cant resist. lol
 
#26 ·
I'm from Northern PA, we always run 4 hi. It doesn't mean your invincible, it just helps a lot. You'll rarely use 4 low if at all. It also helps if you have a good set of fog lights on it. They come in handy in bad conditions, allows you to see ruts and tire tracks on/in the snow a lot easier, especially in the areas where the snow blows and drifts accross roads.
 
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