![]() Yes, all-wheel drive gives drivers a little more control in snowy weather, but that doesn't mean it's always the safest choice. I live in New England, and I can't begin to tell you how many all-wheel drive Subarus I've seen spun-out on the side of the road during the winter months. All-wheel drive can also give drivers a false sense of security, leading them to take risks they wouldn't normally take in a two-wheel-drive car. Stopping is a pretty good way of avoiding a car accident, so the fact that all-wheel drive doesn't help in that way is a pretty big downside. However, all-wheel drive doesn't help a vehicle brake faster or decrease stopping distance in the snow. You do, however, get it with snow tires.Īll-wheel drive can help get a car begin moving in snow because it increases the odds that at least some of the tires are going to gain traction. And you don't get traction with all-wheel drive. But the efficacy of an all-wheel-drive system still depends on one crucial element: traction. In theory, it sounds like all-wheel drive is always safer in the snow than other drive setups. Whew! Only 200 words left and I still haven't answered the question. When an all-wheel drive system detects a loss of traction and control, it reduces power to the slipping wheels. With all-wheel drive, however, the car can sense which wheels have the most traction and send power only to those wheels. In cars with four-wheel drive, an equal amount of power is sent to all four wheels. In both of those cases, half of the power gets sent to each of the drive wheels. In rear-wheel-drive cars, power is sent only to the rear wheels. In a front-wheel-drive car, power is sent only to the front wheels. Traction is the amount of friction (though we usually experience it as "grip") between a wheel and the road. All-wheel drive is a system that allows differing amounts of engine power to be sent to a car's wheels, depending on which wheels have the most traction. To find out, you need to understand how all-wheel drive works. That's when car companies come waltzing in with ads showing all-wheel-drive cars plowing through snowy roads and fields, thanks to their "extra grip" and "secure handling." Are those car companies telling the truth? Is all-wheel drive all we need to stay safe on snowy roads? A catastrophic collision due to loss of control in the snow is something that everyone would rather avoid. When you lose control of your car in foul weather, the best you can hope for is a few minor dings and scratches. carwow Ltd is registered in England (company number 07103079), registered office 2nd Floor, Verde Building, 10 Bressenden Place, London, England, SW1E 5DH.You know how it is: The snow starts flying and cars start sliding off the road. All finance offers and monthly payments shown are subject to application and status. carwow is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (please see more information). ![]() carwow may receive a fee from retailers advertising finance and may receive a commission from partners (including dealers) for introducing customers. carwow is a credit broker and not a lender. carwow is the trading name of carwow Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance distribution activities (firm reference number: 767155). Vehicle returned at term end.Īverage savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on carwow vs manufacturer RRP. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term, 8000 miles annually, inc VAT, excluding fees. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Terms & conditions Manage cookies Fraud disclaimer Privacy policy Modern slavery statement Sitemap ![]()
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