Merry Christmas to me :( (NOT)

You're still a slave to the laws of physics. 4 wheel drive definitely improves traction, which helps with acceleration on slippery or unstable surfaces. It improves driver confidence, which might give the impression of being stable.

But 4 or 2 wheel drive braking is the same. If you are sliding on snow or ice, or even skidding on dry pavement, it will be the same. Might even be worse with the extra weight of the 4 wheel drive system, but I doubt it.

 

What about the fact that in 4x4 the torque on the front wheels is relative to the engine/transmission output compared to having the front free wheel? Slowing down (not locked brakes and sliding) on ice or snow is better when you have the transmission slowing it down. Kind of like downshifting in a manual in winter instead of using your brakes.

 

UPDATE: Body shop sent me a copy of the estimate they supplied to Insurance.... 97 lines long! Grand total $8,485. Insurance approved the repairs. Insurance pays all but my deductible. And I'm getting a new windshield too (I didn't even see the crack) and two new headlights! The body shop is going to replace the fuel cap door with the broken hinge too. (not insurance, just a side deal we made)


I'll go pick it up in a couple of weeks. The Town and Country has done surprisingly well in the snow too. And I'm kinda liking the SiriusXM in that van.


Chuck

 

Glad to hear that they are getting you taken care of. Hope everything is going well and that there are no ill effects that you are feeling.