Use 4WD on wet pavement?

I tend to agree with this. I always take the view that if I "need" 4WD to safely travel at highway speeds, it's simply too slick out and I need to slow down. I also don't think I've ever used 4WD for rain covered roads. I tend to use it for very low traction situations like mud, deep loose gravel, snow, etc. I have driven in some pretty extreme rain, but I've never found that my tires on their own couldn't handle that situation (especially since in that situation I had to slow down because of reduced visibility, etc.). Good tires with lots of tread will also play a huge role.

Glad to hear you are okay!

 

Now, with the '09 + Tacomas that have VSC when in 2WD, needing 4WD on wet paved roads for safety is perhaps a thing of the past. I used to use 4WD on wet roads to prevent the rear end from spinning out and fishtailing (yah, too much gas on my part) in my former Tacomas. My 2010 (in 2WD) just stays glued to the road like if it was in 4WD and won't let me get into a wreck!

 

I, too, am familiar with the Taconic and that road scares the shit out of me in good conditions!

I realize that 50 doesn't sound fast, but on that road in the rain with potential ice conditions? Crazy.

 

right on Judy!! I drove home twice this year on solid ice after dark. On one instance, I found out the next day the reason the drivers behind me kept dissappearing was because they were sliding off the road. I guess I was too focused on the road to see them slide.oops. Very well worth the investment! And like you said, abs rarely kicks in because the ice picks help you slow down as well. Just took mine off and put the summer set on, which like Judy said, stay nice.

 

What I like to do when I think the roads are gonna be sketchy I fill inner tubes with sand and toss them in the very back of the box. Helps quite a bit, 'cause the ass end of these tacos are so light its ridiculous. I was driving to work this winter, 3 degrees outside, following a dumptruck on a long straight stretch doing 80 km in a 90 km zone, so I pulled out to pass and it was like the truck hit it's "power band" and the fuckin truck kicked completly sideways. So here I am gaining speed as I am drifting side to side using both lanes getting closer and closer to the back of this dumptruck and I just keep sliding. Fuckin' scary. I managed to keep control but I came within 4 feet of this dumptruck's back tires. Ever since, when I think the roads are questionable I throw the sand bags in.

 

I would argue driver skill and judgment makes a vehicle safe or unsafe, not the vehicle itself.

Plenty of us get around in our 4x4s during nasty conditions without incident, myself included...

 

I drive on the Taconic everyday and was having major issues with the stock tires when we started getting all the nice Northeastern weather this year. Switched to Goodyear Fortera Tripletreds and they have been amazing. I live in Beacon, NY and when we just got the two+ feet of snow last week they performed amazingly. Also, have had a lot of ice from it melting and refreezing and have had no issues.

http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodye...dline=Fortera+TripleTred&mrktarea=Light+Truck

I have a D-cab 4x4 Tacoma and I couldn't be happier with the purchase of these tires. I highly recommend.

 

Wow! Beacon. I know you had no power last week because after I crashed my truck, I went to work for another 18 hour day. And the day after that, and the day after that and...well, I sorta lost track.

Thanks everyone for the great tips and for the support. I feel very connected to other Tacoma lovers out there. Great forum, great advice. Thank you all!

 

Since the OP had their question answered...

I'll just add that I use 4WD on the highway when it rains so that I can cheat and keep my front diff and all 4x4 parts lubricated.

Owners manual says to use 4x4 at least 10 miles a month to assure proper lubrication.

 

This is why you put it in 4WD before its needed.
These people who state you should only use 4wd in the mud, you'll break your truck, etc, are getting on my nerves. If they're scared to use their 4wd then why did they buy one.
If the conditions call for the use of 4wd, then put it in 4wd before you actually need it.
This is a perfect example of why, he is a experienced driver yet it still happened. And dont start with the 4wd does nothing on ice, everyone knows that. But when trying to regain traction, 4wd is always better than 2wd. The difference is i would already be in 4wd beforehand. Then i would have a chance to recover.
You dont have time to put it in 4wd once you lose control !!!

 

X's a million

 

I learned that in black ice... you're screwed. Same thing happened to me, but my damage was about $450.00 replacing the front fascia. Thank God I was going slow and NO ONE was in front of me. I hit ice and nailed the guard rail which stopped me from going into the embankment. I was only doing about 20 mph and yes, it was in 4WD. I was living in Portland OR at he time and after that I determined that I needed chains and that I'd avoid driving in ice/snow altogether. I'm glad I moved to Vegas!

 

Excellent... X2+

 

Hey all, I posted up the pics from before the wreck and after. That is me leaving for work at 5am going to work another 20 hour day. Not a bit of trouble so long as the roads were snowy. Clear roads, just wet/icy...crash. Alas. Pics are in my gallery. --Heidi