Driving in Snow/ 4wd

One very important thing to remember is neither 4hi or 4lo will help you stop. Driving in snow/slick conditions is about thinking ahead. Give the vehicle in front of you extra room. Gently press and tap brakes and come to gradual slow stops. If you try and brake like you do when it’s dry you’ll start sliding and likely won’t stop until you make contact with something. Driving in snow can actually be a lot of fun when you get comfortable doing it. Enjoy

 

From Chicago area...only use 4-wheel high if needed due to visible snow or visible ice covering the road. If not keep it in 2-wheel till needed.

 

I agree with this, and it looks like your weather will be good

 

easy on the gas and easy on the brake

 

use 4wd when your stuck.

 

All the TW dudes after seeing profile pic.

 

No 4wd required to slide into the DMs

 

could be a dude

 

Ha, could be.

 

Last week driving a 4x4 trail in the snow. Came around a corner too fast, hit the brakes a little too hard. The ass end slipped and swung around all the way, almost did a 180. I would have gassed it but was on the edge of a cliff and had just enough space to stop. Was in 4hi and traction control didn't even kick it. I'm a newb when it comes to snow. Snow can driving can turn ugly quick.

 

Just so you know, in chain controlled areas like mountains and high elevation passes, chains are required to be carried even if you have 4x4. During check points, they ask two things 1) 4x4? 2) carrying chains? If you say no to either one, they will send you back down.

As for using 4H and 4L. 4L is for crawling like others have stated and under 15 mph. I only use 4H if the roads are snow covered.

 

Just drove about 250 miles earlier this week in snow and freezing rain. I only used 4 wheel high when approaching an intersection that looked icy or snowy.

I was taught 4 wheel drive gets you out of the messes you get in, not to get you into messes.

 

To be honest, if you're interested in actually driving on a snow road, definitely try a local spot with some friends. I buried my truck 5 feet off the road in my very first snow. As for as road snow, as with everyone else is saying- take it easy and you'll be fine. If pavement is slushy and wet there is no harm in 4HI. Let people pass if they want to pass. Just something you have to learn on the road as part of the fun.

 

Seeing as how you are inexperienced I think you should start with a bed mat and some sandbags . A truck when in 2 wheel drive is a lot different than any car you have ever driven and can and will get away from you quickly .

 

I recommend that you get together with some other Tacoma people or just a good 4WD club and learn about what you and your truck can do and where you use what and when. Learning from others who have already been there is a lot better than learning from your mistakes and cheaper.
As a teenager before I got my license, during the winter in Chicago with snow on the ground, my dad would take me to an empty parking lot and teach me what happens with a car in snow and how to control it. I have also been a High Speed Drivers Education Instructor with the Houston Porsche Club, The Drivers Edge and more. Learning in a controlled environment with others is a great learning tool.

 

What kind of tires are on your truck? Are they stock all seasons?

 

As someone from "up north," the best things you can do for winter driving are taking things slow and have the appropriate, winter-rated tires. For example, I used to drive a 2WD only (rear-wheel) vehicle in winters here in WI - with Blizzak tires (or any solid winter tire) on the car, I never had an issue of slippage in snow, sleet, etc.

4WD (H) helps you accelerate for traction, but it will not help in stopping or turning. 4WD (L) is reserved for very low speeds and technical terrain off of pavement, as others have stated.

Weight in the bed will help you, especially if you're not certain when to turn on 4H. That, coupled with good tires and eventual experience, will serve you well.

My suggestion would be to find a large, empty parking lot when there are a few inches of snow and practice accelerating, turning, and braking. Learning how to correct a vehicle that doesn't have much traction (and not over-correct) will help you in those "oh shit" moments when the only thing you can do is react.

 

No they are good year all terrain

 

Great, thanks a lot!!