"AWD is superior to FWD or RWD cars equipped with ABS, traction, and stability control. Of course the AWD car has ABS, traction, and stability control too.
IF, you live on a mountain and encounter lots of difficult snow conditions then get AWD. If you live in the other 95% of snow country you will do fine with FWD if you put good winter tires on all 4 wheels."
"What determines the amount of grip is the rubber compound of the tread and how well it reacts to cold temperatures, the construction and age of the tire, the depth of the tread, air pressure and the size and shape of the actual contact patch."
"I would rather drive a FWD car with winter tires than an AWD with the all season tires that come on the car. To me the tires are more critical than AWD or FWD. If I lived in an area where I needed AWD I would also put winter tires on the AWD car. If you have AWD and winter tires you can deal with just about anything as long as you can see where you are going."
"The main reason NOT to get AWD is the whole drive train is much more complex and will require more repairs and maintenance; as in more expensive to own. In fact, AWD can be much more expensive. If you have one tire go flat that can't be patched you have to buy 4 new tires. Mismatch tires will kill an AWD system and cost thousands of dollars to repair. So, even though AWD is better don't get it unless you really - REALLY need it. Most of the time it will just cost you about 2 mpg less fuel economy [due to the added weight of the system], increase your repair and maintenance costs [as it needs its own maintenance re lubricant changes], and add $2,000 or so to the price of the car." (my bolding)
"If you drive a vehicle with AWD or 4WD drive keep these rules in mind.
1. You may be able to get going much better than 2WD vehicles but you cannot stop or steer better. AWD only helps acceleration.
2. If you drive a vehicle with AWD or 4WD you should have winter tires on all four wheels. It?s the stopping and steering that will save your life and AWD does not enhance these aspects of active safety.
3. Slow down as there may be less grip than you are experiencing while accelerating."
https://community.cartalk.com/t/traction-and-stability-control-vs-awd/55737/4
http://www.wheels.ca/news/does-all-wheel-drive-actually-help-in-winter-driving/
13 comments:
True that.
:) I know I'm mainly preaching to the choir.
A manly post from a woman. I like it. And Rabel, tires 500 miles from the coast are the best hurricane tires.
Hillary Clinton don't feel no ways tired.
Oh, I get it. Some people prefer to stay ON the road. Never much cared for that myself.
Rabel, Archer would suggest a hovercraft.
Nick, hardly. Didn't realize winter tires were related to rubber composition...like, duh!
I'm researching for a used car, or possibly small or mid-size SUV.
Bago, a funny line from an article was, 'admit it SUV owners, you only go off-road by accident.'
deborah, My bride and daughter drive Toyota Rav4 and like them.
They're definitely on my short list, Nick. Need to get out and do some test drives.
Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. They've been the winter shoes on several Mazda Miatas Mrs. Haz has driven all winter, and will be on my Focus ST this winter.
They make a remarkable difference.
Thanks so much, Haz! One less thing to research :)
deborah, When my daughter was looking @ new vehicles I gave her some advice that included Honda CR-V being one she should consider. She responded, "Those are lesbian SUV's." More info for you to digest. LOL.
I heard that Subarus are connected to lesbians, like Birkenstock sandals. At any rate, Subarus are out for me because they all come with standard AWD.
I'd already eliminated the CRV on other grounds :)
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