- NEW!
Whereas rear-wheel drive cars are notorious for spinning out on ice, front-wheel drive vehicles usually perform very well in these conditions. Because their drive-trains pull the car instead of push it, it is almost impossible for a front-wheel drive car to spin out or to lose lateral stability. All else being equal, more traction is always better. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles have advanced stability controls that help the vehicle behave the same way on snow as it does on dry ground. Unlike front-drive cars, an AWD system allows a vehicle to pivot through application of the throttle, which can prevent the vehicle from sliding into oncoming traffic while turning. Front-wheel drive is fine, but AWD is better. AWD was designed specifically for snow, ice and mud and continues to be the best drive system available. However, it should be noted that a front- or rear-drive car with specialty snow/ice tires will generally outperform an AWD car with all-season rubber. Edmunds.com: Snow Tires Trump 4WDOn One Hand: Front-Wheel Drive is Fine
On the Other: All-Wheel Drive is Better
Bottom Line
Source:
More Information:
by bagicide stayed 10 months too long on January 22nd, 2010
It helps you go, but being able to go is not the same thing as being able to stop.
by hallagan on January 22nd, 2010
No but it makes people feel better that they got one.Now my grandfather is a former driving instructor and I hit black ice and slide into a ditch once and I had manual transmission he told me if I would have kept the wheels spinning it would have given may car momentum to stay on the road this is with front wheel drive.It happened so fast I didn't have time to think of that.
by Reecebullet on January 23rd, 2010
Ofcourse they do. Because then you have more control over your car, and therefore have more control over when your going in the snow.
by GeorgeGee left Answerbag (What's this?) on January 23rd, 2010
It's one of a number of things that can be very helpful in the snow, but you pay a price all year long with all wheel drive by getting worse gas mileage. The most effective thing for driving in snow is also the cheapest, a set of chains. After that, a set of snow tires. Note that all wheel drive does NOTHING to improve your stopping distance on snow or ice, whereas studded snow tires and chains do.
by evollove on January 24th, 2010
It mostly depends on the tires and it's traction in slippery enviorments, four wheel drive can help with strong tires, but otherwise it does not make a difference.
What is a high horsepower?
by Answerbag Staff on January 31st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
1996 1500 4x4 actuator will not unlock when it is pluged in what is a matter?
by herm64 on August 18th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Does a brake drum have a part number stamped on it?
by Answerbag Staff on August 19th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
How do I change the gear oil in a jeep?
by Answerbag Staff on August 16th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
what is the firing order on a 2000 gmc yukon denali
by dizze212000 on August 20th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading Does all-wheel drive really help in snow?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments