4wd in rain?

So how much slippage is needed to drive in 4wd on the street? I'm in So Cal and it's been pouring all day. Is it ok to use h4?

Sorry if this is a repost

Scott

 

no don't do it.

Slow down. If you are loosing traction in the rain, either you have shitty tires or you are driving too fast.

 

I would say that the traction problems in the rain have to deal with hydroplaning. When you hydroplane, your wheels aren't even touching the surface, no amount of 4wd can help that. Slowing down is about the only thing you can do.

 

^^^^^ yup

maybe time for some better tires

 

no dude, its socal not Oregon

 

no....buy new tires if your losing that much traction.

 

Driving in the rain may cause momentary slippage (hard acceleration, or when you hit a puddle), but this is not enough slippage to keep the transfer case safe.

Don't use 4WD if you can see pavement, period.

There have been lots of posts from people in SoCal, Florida, Arizona asking about 4WD in rain. The truth is that wet roads simply aren't that slippery. You just aren't accustomed to them.

 

I think we are accustomed to wet roads in Florida

 

Scott, because you have a 2009, you have TRAC and VSC... that takes away the previous issues of driving a front heavy vehicle with rear wheel drive (ie. a pick-up).

If you had an '08 or older, or any truck without VSC, I would put it in 4WD if you spin out leaving a stop, accelerating in a turn, etc. 4WD is double traction, to use when single traction (2WD) is lacking due to road or off road conditions... If you are slipping tires, then you can 4WD for safety.

Once you slow down and need to turn tight to park, etc. go back into H2. Use H4 only when you need to for added traction and safety, not all the time.

 

I use 4WD in pouring rain on the highway. Straights...with no turns. Peace of mind for me anyway. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

I use 4H all the time in rain at speed... switch to 2H when under 30 and turning into a parking lot when you dont need it.

 

Seems like we've had this conversation several times. Alright, everyone who used 4wd on one side, everyone else on the other side.... FIGHT!

 

Buy a Subaru WRX...!

 

People asking about using 4wd in the rain seem like they are just looking for an excuse to use 4wd. Just my opinion... (since 4wd in the rain is completely unnecessary)

 

x2. The only thing your going to do is win the drag race to the next stop light so you waste your brakes and sit longer. I love cruising up to a stop at a light and pulling up next to the guy that raced off at the last light

 

I've never used 4WD in the rain.
Never needed it.
Good tires and sensible driving is all I need.

Only time I need 4WD is when it snowed or "sometimes" needed when off-road.

 

ma honda drives in the rain with no problems!(sarcasm), dont gas it either, thats the best way to lose traction!

 

I love this site and I get a lot of great help here but so far everyone seems to be assuming a whole lot here. Who said I was having traction problems? I'm not having any traction problems other than the ones that I intentionally cause. Just like I intentionally use te ABS when it rains just because I enjoy it. Just because I asked the question does not mean that I'm having a problem driving in the rain.

Yes I am looking for any excuse to use 4wd. I paid for it I might as well use it whenever I can. Besides having a two year old does not allow me to wheel as much as I would like to. But she is also another reason to make sure I have as much traction as possible when she's in the truck.

Thanks to those with helpful information.

Scott

 

sigh, i use my 4wd whenever i feel like it. Whomever is saying that rwd vs 4wd makes no real difference in the rain obviously doesnt have much driving expeirance. First of all having 4wd on will keep your back end from flying out suddenly, even in the rain, etc etc etc

 

I've lived in the rainforest my whole life , 26 years of driving experience , and have owned a 4 wheel drive truck for the last 16 years , and have never once needed to use 4wd in the rain . That's retarded .