While it is possible to navigate snow and ice in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, this challenge should be reserved for the most experienced and confident drivers. For most drivers dealing with challenging winter road conditions, front-wheel-drive is preferable to rear-wheel-drive because it provides the traction necessary to accelerate effectively in snow and ice.
Of course, FWD is not without its drawbacks. Since this system forces drivers to rely heavily on their front wheels for turning and acceleration, steering is likely to be less precise in slippery conditions.
For example, if you skid in a front-wheel-drive vehicle and turn the wheel, it is quite likely you will continue moving forward. In slippery conditions, all-wheel-drive vehicles overcome many of the shortcomings of rear-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive vehicles. As the name would suggest, all-wheel-drive sends power to all four wheels, which makes it easier to accelerate in snow and ice.
That's why, if you must drive in severe winter weather, installing a set of winter tires can dramatically improve vehicle control regardless of the drive system. AWD refers to drivetrains in which the vehicle selects its two- or four-wheel drive capabilities based on road conditions. AWD vehicles can help you get out of snowed-in parking spots, tackle unplowed roads and accelerate on slick surfaces.
AWD does little to aid turning and braking on snow and ice vs. While many people think that AWD is enough to take on dangerous ice and snow, there is almost no difference between AWD-equipped vehicles and ordinary cars when it comes to cornering, braking and handling in winter weather. That surprises people who assume that AWD and four-wheel drive often referred to as 4WD or 4X4 systems are essentially the same things.
If the tires are traction-limited either because of their design or from being heavily worn 4WD may not be enough to keep the vehicle under control.
All-season tires are very capable and a great idea three seasons out of the year. Do you need winter tires — even with an AWD vehicle? A sign that the engine needs to be checked, and possibly need some repairs, is when your car shakes as it idles.
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What this means for the families we serve and our employees:. Rear-wheel, front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive on snow and ice? Each drivetrain has its pros and cons, but some are better for winter. Rear-wheel drive cars handle poorly in winter conditions. Front-wheel drive cars generally perform better in winter conditions. Related : The Difference Between Front and Rear-Wheel Drive All-wheel drive — sometimes called full-time four-wheel drive — vehicles perform better than front wheel drive in winter conditions, but AWD has its limitations.
Four-wheel drive vehicles offer added stability and agility in rough and adverse conditions. Rear-wheel, front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive — it really all comes down to the tires. The best thing to have for driving in winter weather is good winter tires. Rear-wheel, front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive — which is right for you? Think about the weather and road conditions you drive in most, where you live, and what you really need.
You live in an area where winter is an actual season with cold rain, snow, and ice. Advantages of front-wheel-drive include:. All-wheel-drive cars send power to all four wheels to make the car go. Until recently all-wheel-drive was more difficult to implement, so it was rare and comparatively expensive. Once automakers learned how to make affordable and reliable AWD systems, this drivetrain quickly became a popular choice.
Advantages of AWD include:. This is especially true of small crossover SUVs. All-wheel-drive is different from four-wheel-drive. The biggest difference is that all-wheel-drive is always active and happens automatically. The driver does not have to do anything to make the AWD system engage.
Leading examples of AWD vehicles include:. For complete information on AWD vs. Remember this: In general, 4WD is better for extreme off-road and low-gear situations. AWD provides better all-season road performance.
There are many different ways to implement all-wheel-drive. There are substantial differences between brands, specifically in how each one engineers their particular AWD system. Here are some examples:.
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