How to Drive a Four-Wheel Drive in Snow

The four-wheel drive is a wonderful invention that can save you from becoming stuck in adverse weather conditions, such as mud or snow. There are a few tricks to successful four-wheeling in snow that you need to know. So follow these steps to stay on the go in snow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Ensure you have good mud and snow or all-season tires on your vehicle before driving in snow. It's a great idea to carry sandbags, tire chains, a jack and a shovel.
2. Put your vehicle in four-wheel drive before becoming stuck. If the snow begins to get deep or it is slushy, get out and turn manual hubs in, then shift into high range or put your automatic four-wheel drive in the four-high position.
3. Drive slowly if the road is slick and avoid sharp turns. The four-wheel drive mechanism causes a jerking motion to occur if the vehicle goes into a skid which can actually make a bad situation worse. In a skid, brake gently and hold the brake pedal down if your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system; pump the brake lightly if not.
4. Avoid trying to break through a large snow drift going downhill. You will get stuck even while using four-wheel drive. It is sometimes possible to break through a large snow drift going uphill, because you can always back out and take another run at it.
5. Keep your cruise control off when driving on snowy, wet or icy roads. It can cause your tires to spin or skid. Accelerate gently and if you feel your tires start to spin or slide, take your foot off the pedal immediately.
6. Use four-wheel low range only if you are going to be traveling very slowly. High speeds will ruin a transfer case in low range. It is useful for climbing steep hills.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase the three second following rule to nine seconds when driving in snow.
• Sand bags can also be useful if you do get stuck. Break them open and pour sand in front of your tires to increase traction.
• Just because you have four-wheel drive vehicle doesn't mean you are invincible. Even though they have better traction, you can still slide off the road, so drive slowly and pay attention.
• Be careful not to pack your hood compartment full of snow when breaking out drifts. It can freeze and lock up components of your vehicle.