When are you using 4x4 Hi?

ON the third gens, it won't go into 4wd at that speed. It'll just beep at you.

 

Good info

 

It's interesting how common this question is for people . Perhaps the computer world and "smart systems" plus so many AWD vehicles out there. The truth is when there is loose terrain, no matter what it is, dirt, gravel, sand, mud, snow, anything other than DRY PAVEMENT, it's likely a good idea to engage the 4WD system. I live on a mile long driveway and nearly everyday drive it in 4wd, it's gravel. Also remember that in snow especially, but in other cases you're in a RWD vehicles UNLESS you engage your system. The little light rear end doesn't get the traction you may want, and 4WD is a good option. I've seen many trucks and 4wd folks think they're invincible because they HAVE 4wd, but they never engage it . Don't be afraid to use it, don't use it on dry pavement or concrete and don't go over 55. You'll be gtg. Enjoy the ride

 

Thanks for the tips!

Keep in mind that those of us that grew-up/live in the Deep South rarely if ever have to deal with snow. I have never had to drive in it.

This is my first 4WD vehicle, purchased to take on the local beaches, and it's been a learning event for me. One of the biggest being the differences between 4WD and AWD.

All the experiences and advice shared is greatly appreciated.

 

4hi maybe 10% of the time. I run Blizzaks in the winter, with weight in the bed and seldom need 4wd, except for snow covered roads, pulling away from a slippery intersection or during a heavy snow storm.

 

Not really. Any use causes some wear and tear, but your tire will slip on snow before any damage is caused to your axle, diff, or xfer case.

 

Shhhhh. If you aren’t sure, don’t post. He wasn’t seeking opinions. Seriously, your advice could cause someone to grenade their drive train.

 

Just drove home this morning from the gym with tons of snow falling from the sky and sticking to the roads.

Used 2WD for the entire 8 mile journey home. Traction Control didn't even kick in once.

Use 4WD if it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling, but you can definitely get around without it. Going is very rarely the issue, IMO. Stopping is. Just use common sense and drive with extra caution.

 

My 2004 Trailblazer has 4LO, 4HI, AWD, and 2WD. I definitely miss having the AWD option.

 

Ya, but there is a BIG difference between snow and ice. On ice, your Traction Control would be kicking in constantly.

 

“2WD” (high-speed position, two-wheel drive)

Use this for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads. This position

gives greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.

“4H” (high-speed position, four-wheel drive)

Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide, like off-road,

icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than

two-wheel drive.

The four-wheel drive indicator will come on.

“4L” (low-speed position, four-wheel drive)

Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “4L” for climbing or

descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or

deep snow.

The four-wheel drive and “4LO” indicator will come on.

 

I took the Taco to Chamonix, France the other day for a snowboarding trip. It started to snow and the roads were very slushy, so I threw it into 4HI. Me and my buddy (who grew up in the NE U.S.) were going ~5kph down a rather steep hill and I barely applied the brakes and the anti-lock system engaged and I started sliding.....very slowly...with pedestrians and other vehicles around. I asked him what I should do (having grown up in a tropical climate, didn't have a clue), and he said to just accelerate out of it. And by gosh, it worked, although accelerating wasn't exactly the most intuitive thing for me to do.

So, thanks Taco 4HI. Cause I was pretty damn nervous.

On a side note, cracked a rib and tore my lateral meniscus in my GOOD knee on this trip, but Chamonix was worth it...killer slopes!

 

Kebbler Pass
11/05/18

 

Sure. The point of using 4wd in those situations, is to maintain control. You will never know that you needed it.

Outside example: buddy and I we're helping pull a deer using ATVs. My buddies philosophy was to not use 4wd until he needed it. Mine was to use in case.

Coming up a muddy hill, he was burning gas, making a mess of the hill, and throwing mud everwhever.

I followed in 4wd and eased up the hill without issue.

4wd gives more control.

If you are paying attention, you will know if you are putting the drivetrain in a bind. It's not complicated.

 

4x4 on the fly is awesome....turn it on off multiple times during ride. Normally the plows dint hit the nieghborhoods

 

I use 4WD whenever I encounter slippery conditions whether that be gravel, rain, snow or wet muddy grass. I feel I get better traction, but I don't see the point in doing it at high speeds (above 60mph) as the vehicle feel more like a projectile beyond that point.

Stay safe
Cheers!

 

I use 4Hi whenever on gravel roads or anything offroad, it reduces the stress on the rear axle and driveline and saves the rear tires from chucking from constant slipping. You don't use your T case enough to wear it out.

But it is sick AF to say you ran a trial in 2wd.

 

I used to drive up to Mt. Hood to snowboard all the time living in the Portland area (10 years ago). I drove an 01 4wd Grand Cherokee at the time and would usually have fun driving up in 2wd when the roads were less traveled, and would only engage 4wd when the roads were icy or it was too dark to see the snow on the road to try and stay tracked in the fluffy stuff. Long story a bit shorter, I ended up doing a couple accidental 360s before the resort entrance roads and switched into 4wd around Govt Camp ever since then. Better safe than spun out! If other cars are on the road, it’s definitely best to have more traction than you need before you actually need it...

 

I have prejudices against 4WD that i think are well founded. 4WD requires the vehicle to be taller, in order to accommodate the driveline stuff in front. It increases mechanical complexity and expense of purchase and maintenance. It increases weight and unsprung weight. Under conditions in which 2WD vehicles are spinning their tires, 4WD can offer better acceleration traction. But all cars have 4-wheel braking systems, so stopping is not improved. 4WD systems with open differentials are not really much better than 2WD. A 2WD system with a limited slip differential, or electronic traction control can come close to 4WD performance in snow, provided that there is enough weight above the wheels to provide needed friction force, and provided that the tires are appropriate for the job. Tires trump everything. I recently assisted a frightened driver who couldn't get her 4WD SUV down a hill in icy conditions. Besides lack of skill, her main problem was shitty tires. 4WD was of no use to her.

Get a proper set of winter tires. I run DMV2s, they work well.