Ever turn on 4-high while going 60mph?

I haven't really paid attention to gas mileage in 4hi cuz I figure I'd pay any fluctuation in gas to have the peace of mind knowing I have a nice truck to drive in the snow and use the e-4hi knob. Definitely get more throttle response and less gear search on the hway in 4hi

 

Being in Alaska, I have my Taco in 4x4 5-6 months each year. I get probably 14-15 mpg city. I don't really drive highway until summer. The cold weather and less than 5 mile commute aren't helping my mpg. I usually try to slow down to turn on 4x4 or change it over at a light.

 

In snow and ice I can understand. But as well with those conditions probably shouldn't be doing those speeds

 

what the heck? better gas mileage in 4Hi? never has that ever happened to me. you must be going downhill or the wind is pushing your truck for you.

 

i love the reactions to the 1x1

 

I mean driving through curvy mountain roads with 4 hi for extra traction. I understand that with AWD cars, you can get extra grip and if you let off on the gas in a turn you end up understeer and more gas will give you oversteer.

 

From my experience yesterday going 70 made 1 beep and the 4 wheel icon would flash on the dash board. At 80 MPH the car just keep beeping at me until I turned it off. At lower speeds the 4wd icon would flash and then stay on.

 

You can tell who understands open diffs and 4wd real quick in these threads.

 

Omg. Just stop before you destroy your truck. Or keep doing it so you learn a valuable lesson.

 

it's a Tacoma, not an STi. Highway to your mountainous destination and then let er rip! Dirt = more fun anyways

 

Holy shit

 

That should never be done, I don't think we are talking apples to apples here. The conversation we're having is implying limited traction situations (snow/ice) not dry pavement.

The only time 4hi should be engaged is when there is on slippery surfaces or when traction is limited - not to improve traction on dry pavement.

Huge difference between part time 4WD (Tacoma) and a full time AWD systems like Subaru's have.

If you tried to engage at 70mph, after the beeping stopped it didn't engage unless you reduced speed to below 62mph, if the icon is flashing it's not engaged.

Honestly, I'm having trouble figuring out if your being serious in your responses or if we aren't understanding your questions.

 

AWD cars allow the wheels to spin at different speeds, which is essential for dry roads. Driving in 4HI on pavement will destroy your drivetrain, if not your tires first.

 

So, serious question. What's recommended to exercise the 4x4 monthly if you aren't in low-traction areas enough? Straight line on the freeway?

 

I'd say define "enough" - I use it often enough through out the year that I feel comfortable not having to find a way to hit it in a month if I don't otherwise need to.

Manual states 10miles a month, consensus on here in other related threads seems to be put it on going down the freeway in a straight path.

 

First off, what kind of conditions are you talking about on these mountain roads? On dry and even wet roads, 4WD should not be used. Low traction situations is when you would engage 4WD, such as the roads being covered in snow or slush.

Do you understand how 4WD drive works compared to AWD? While they are similar in that they both "drive" all four wheels, they function differently. AWD systems are user friendly in the sense that they do not require any involvement from the driver. They are designed to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds so the drivetrain will not bind up in high traction conditions and can run at any speed. Traditional 4WD systems are only intended to be used part-time when low traction conditions exist such as a snow covered road. They are not intended to be used on dry roads or speeds 65+.

I guess this is why many manufacturers are moving away from traditional 4WD systems in most SUVs; drivers don't understand how to use it. Hopefully that doesn't happen with trucks as well. It's too bad Toyota doesn't offer a transfer case like the old Jeep Select Trac that allowed for 2WD, Full-Time 4WD, Part-Time 4WD, and 4Lo.

 

I always find some dirt road out in the country.

 

Thanks fellas, I'll probably end up with a mixture of both.

 

Thank you for the clarification, that was the information I was looking for.

 

Scared myself yesterday morning. Heading out and made a u-turn and my truck felt like shit turning. Pulled over and was like WTF I I'll need to go to the dealers to see what happened.

Turned out I just must have flicked it to 4 wheel high when I was cleaning the inside Sunday night. Still scared me.