Usng 4 Wheel Drive on Dry Pavement

Hi Everyone

I am a new member. Just bought a new 2010 Tacoma 4x4. My first 4x4. I was reading the owners manual. It said not to use 4 wheel drve on dry pavement. I am wondering why? Yes, I know it is not necessary, and yes, I know the probablity of something wearing out, or breakng if used, increases with use, but there must be more to it then this, I think. I am curious. Is there a technical reason?

Thanks

 

Just wanted to add that you can use the 4wd on dry pavement as long as you are going in a straight line.

 

Just like you can use use a sledge hammer to drive finishing nails....Technically-right tool...but still not a good idea.

 

The best thing to do is engage the 4wd every month to keep everything in good working order. It will also get you used to how your truck reacts when engaged.
It is better to do this on giving surfaces - mud, snow, rain.
But if all you have is dry pavement, short distances going straight will be fine.
I do it every month, even during the summer on dry pavement.
Dont forget to do 4-lo also.

 

Sharp turns or turns in general can demolish CV axles and boots. Get your CV axles replaced BTW!!

 

Why would he need to get his CV axles replaced?

 

Dry pavement = AWD

AWD has a center differential to allow all wheels to turn at different speeds (and each drive shaft can spin at different speeds).

 

Could strip the ridges on the ends of the CV axles. And the constant awkward angles of the turns with the speeds can damage both.

 

Believe the owner manual states you're supposed to drive 10 miles per month in 4WD in order to keep everything lubed.

 

Yes you can engage it to keep the fluids mixed and the viscosity to stay the same.

 

That is not the reason!!!














It's strictly for mental health. I mean if you can't get out once a month is there really any reason to live?

 

Yes.... and you can do that by going offroad, or....like myself... I put it in 4WD on the highway in the pouring rain for about 5 miles or so. No turns, under 60mph...that's all you need.

 

Thanks everyone

I am new to four wheel drives. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and thoughts. I will do as advised. It make sense now. Thanks again!

 

Welcome to TW..... lesson #1 every simple question will become a stick of dynomite. You ask about 4wd on pavement , but we all know you want to know the best tire on sidewalks, or just fishing for lift kit opinions.

 

Are there really months in Canada without snow or ice?

Welcome!!!

In my words: when you turn, the front tires will rotate more times than the back ones... in 4WD, the front and back are 'locked' together... not a problem in dirt/ ice/ snow/ water where the tires can slip some. On dry pavement, the tires don't 'slip' very easily so the binding can occur.

The AWD (full time four wheel drive) autos and SUVs have a center differential that permits the front and back tires to rotate differently, so they can be on dry pavement.

Have a good one!

 

And for the CV axles to be replaced I meant that there was a TSB for them on the '10s. Don't know if it's still on the list though

 

got a link?

 

Hey, thanks gain. This information is really helpful. I am one of thoe guys that if someone tells me not to do something but does not say why, well, unfortunatelly I sometimes find out why the had way. This was much easier.

Sometimes there is no snow in Canada, In Calgary because we are so close to the Rockies we can get snow 11 out of 12 months, rare but it has hppened. Melts quickly in summer months.

 

Yes, I can look it up. Thanks