Four-Wheel Drive – Do You Need It This Winter?

Winter is often associated with bad drivers and even worse road conditions. It’s the season of slippery tires, spinning out and stopping further into the intersection than you’d like. It is a season that sees a large amount of fender benders otherwise avoidable accidents.

However, when talking about winter driving, there always seems to be someone who has to chime in with, “I’m not worried, I have four-wheel drive.” Usually, we tend to ignore this humble-brag, but it is something to think about. Is four-wheel drive worth it? How does it help with winter driving? Today, GM Outlet Parts wants to put these questions to rest.

 

 

Added Power

Let’s be clear – four-wheel drive is not some magic technology that automatically makes you a safer driver in the winter. You have to be just as cautious with slippery roads as you would be with a two-wheel drive car. Contrary to many beliefs – four-wheel drive does not stop any quicker on slippery surfaces.

Now, with that said, there are benefits to four-wheel drive in the winter weather. Four-wheel drive adds power that two-wheel drive vehicles simply lack. This is because rather than the vehicle being powered forward with two wheels, all four wheels are now taking on the brunt of the work. This means when trying to move forward in heavy snow, or driving up a hill, a four-wheel drive vehicle has more of a push.

 

Do You Need It?

Here’s the thing – at the end of the day, four-wheel drive is a luxury. Sure, it can give you more of a push and help with acceleration in the snow. However, when it comes down to it – the most important thing in the winter is that you have proper tires on your vehicle. You can have four-wheel drive, but if you have bald tires you aren’t getting anywhere. Throw a good pair of winter tires on your vehicle and it’ll be much more drivable.

 

There’s a misconception that four-wheel drive somehow makes driving in the winter safer. However, it’s all about the person behind the wheel. If you’re a safe driver, and you take the proper precautions when driving in the winter, then ultimately you will be much safer when on the road. Just remember – slow down, be aware of your surroundings and try not to make any sudden moves when driving on a slippery surface.