When is it OK to use 4wd?

When is it OK to use the 4wd? The manual says not on clear roads, but what about wet roads that may or may not be icy? I do use it on snowy roads, but wasn't sure if I would be damaging the transfer case by using it on wet roads.

Thanks!
Mike

p.s. - The storm this week has been fun in the Tacoma!

 

It would be ok for the most part, but don't do it as chance of breaking is higher. Not sure why you need 4x4 on wet roads anyways

 

Thanks - wet roads that are at or near freezing is what i meant.

 

Why does that change anything?

 

because of the possibility of ice

 

Learn to drive on wet, Icy, snow roads. Don't need 4wd on wet roads. And if it's to icy the. It would be self explanatory to use 4wd.

 

Sometimes I will use it to assist takeoff on a steep hill when it is wet and I do not have weight in the back , such as at a stoplight, but I immediately switch back to 2wd once rolling. It seems every stoplight on a hill in my area has a good dose of oil all over the place. These trucks seem to spin very easily in 2wd if someone spits on the road

 

Wait! A dumb question that is NOT in 3rd gen section?

 

Aside from offpavement, only use it when you feel your tires slipping. Most all terrains are fine for road use in 2wd. Don't forget, 4wd will help you gain traction and go, but won't help you stop the vehicle.

 

Also it's fine to use from a dig when drag racing. I've had it trap 91mph in 4wd too

 

Remember, there are no dumb questions. Didn't you see the sign on or by the teacher's desk in school???

 

I have to disagree with some of the posts here. On particularly rainy days (heavy rain to torrential downpour conditions) I will drive on the street in 4WD. The manual says you should try to drive at least 10 miles per month in 4wd. Since my truck doesn't see dirt all that often, this is the next best condition to drive in purely for convenience. Just avoid taking super tight turns.

Also, take offs are fuggin sweet in 4wd on slick pavement Just gun it and no tire slip (can't find the shifting gears smiley )

 

Just throwing this out there since you're concerned about ice- going into a slide in 4wd is night and day different from sliding in 2wd. If you're new to trucks, or winter driving in general, find yourself an empty parking lot with a few inches of snow in it and do some donuts. Get a feel for how your truck handles in 2wd and 4wd.

 

On ice it would not help.
If there is ice your going to slide either way.
So to answer the question.
No do not use it just on wet roads.
I know ice patches cant be seen most the time, so use caution.
No going fast!

 

Gonna be easier to get going, as well as engine brake, and keep traction, in 4wd.

 

Agreed!
Seeing im a 6 speed.
But id rather slide a little then bind my drive tran

 

Coming out of the slide in 4wd for sure.
But while sliding 4wd doesn't do shit. Unless spiked tires
Ive put this this to the test in an empty parking lot that had frozen spots.

 

Driving in 4wd on dry or wet pavement won't hurt anything on your truck.

 

Says the guy in California. 4WD most definetely helps with handling on ice. It also makes getting moving from a stop hugely easier and safer.

 

If it's a torrential downpour or freezing rain you can use 4x4 IMO just try not to take really tight turns. The tires can slip in the rain so theoretically you can be in 4x4 but I find that they're not going to really slip smoothly and that it is going to bind a bit with any significant steering input. Also, since you can engage and disengage 4x4 on the fly you can always put it in 4x2 if you need to take a 90* turn or bang a U-turn.

I drove a 4x2 taco for 9 years and even commuted up to NH 50 mi. each way for a few years and really only ran into trouble twice and it was due to absurd amounts of snow on the highway, not enough weight in the bed, and seemingly no plowing being done. EDIT: I has Bilzzak's on though

I do love putting it in 4x4 and plowing into parking spots that no one else is willing to use since they would get stuck