Using 2H/4A/4H in Snow-Different Scenarios?

[sgraing1]

Mixed conditions and interstate speeds 4 Auto.
Snow covered 4 High.
I have the old tried and true part time 4wd coming in mine and will have no problem using
4 High when slick out.

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[Longbow]

I drove a mustang for 9 years in Canadian winters without issue, I'm not planning to use 4wd unless there's a blizzard

4x4 doesn't make the vehicle stop or steer any better, if it will move in 2H, leave it there is my plan.

I think your are half right. 4x4 definitely helps steering.

 

[Rayder]

I would do 4A for all these scenarios. 2 is a bit of a toss up, and depends on the snow. Your tires will plow a couple inches of light powder in the corners and will still bind in 4H. Heavier snow will compact and won't be an issue.

 

[zombie]

I think your are half right. 4x4 definitely helps steering.

The reason RWD cars typically drive better than FWD is because given a fixed amount of grip, a tire can either use that grip to steer or propel the vehicle or both, but there's never more grip.

If you're trying to propel the vehicle that's less grip for steering, IMO.

Just my opinion, not saying I'm right

 

[Rayder]

I think your are half right. 4x4 definitely helps steering.

Agreed, I often hear this said, but it's not true particularly on RWD vehicles. There is a big advantage to being able to alter the angle of the driven wheels.

 

[3TooMany]

I had the same question and sent an inquiry to Ford about it. I haven’t heard back yet. The PDF owner’s manual and video manual in the infotainment system is a little vague IMO.

I’ve driven mine in 4A on both wet and dry streets, light snow covered streets, and in dirt at Badlands off-road park in Indiana. While many here are saying it defaults to 2WD unless 4WD is needed, that has not been my experience at all. It’s almost always pushing the 4 wheels. You can see this by selecting the off-road pages on the instrument panel and selecting the one that shows power distribution to the 4 wheels.

 

[AKBronc49]

I'm finding myself switching between 4A and 4High. Auto allows some slip, this can not be ideal pulling out from a side street, so I've been running 4High more the last couple days. Traction control off always. I'm also running studded snow tires.

I've put almost 500 miles on mine since 11/12 all of that in 4A or 4High.

To note the pavement you see in my photos has a nice layer of black ice/frost on them.

 

[@BadBlueBronco]

I'll also add that people drive RWD vehicles in snow all the time and as long they don't do any jerky acceleration or make twitchy turns they are fine.

or meet any hills lol

 

[iwantabasebronco]

or meet any hills lol

Carry some speed you’ll be fine

 

[@BadBlueBronco]

Carry some speed you’ll be fine

SURVEY SAYSSSS!!!

You are full of shit

 

[iwantabasebronco]

SURVEY SAYSSSS!!!

You are full of shit

Haha true you called my bluff. Yes 4x anything is better than 2x in the snow.

 

[buzpro]

Does 4A beat up on the tire tread wear? on warm or hot asphalt? especially in stop n go around town if I'm using sport mode?

 

[Silver-Bolt]

4A is a good default for for wet and light snow/slushy conditions. In 4A is there is too much slip from shifting in and out of 4wd the clutch packs in the transfer case can over heat. Once the computer detects this it will automictically shift to 4H. Once it cools down 4A will return.

 

[rdg04578]

4A should not be confused with AWD as some people think-- it is predominately a 2wd bias system that will shift in 4wd if the vehicle senses a reduced traction condition for the rear wheels. Generally I drive in 2wd in most cases and revert to 4wd when needed-- I prefer it on my terms not when the vehicle thinks I should be in 4wd. Not saying it is a bad thing for people not used to driving 5 months in snow and icey conditions but generally I find 4wd is needed when I have trouble moving not as a general rule of thumb anytime the roads are snow covered or wet-- and if its icy then it is more about the tires than how many wheels you have with power.

 

[rdg04578]

I'm finding myself switching between 4A and 4High. Auto allows some slip, this can not be ideal pulling out from a side street, so I've been running 4High more the last couple days. Traction control off always. I'm also running studded snow tires.

I've put almost 500 miles on mine since 11/12 all of that in 4A or 4High.

To note the pavement you see in my photos has a nice layer of black ice/frost on them.

Pretty sure I would have been in 2wd in all these photos

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