Use of 4x4 on pavement

[jess466]

As I recall from the owner's manual (I have a 2003 Eddie Bauer, if that matters), it said not to use 4-wheel drive on-road. Well, I am driving to Vermont tomorrow, and there's a large snowstorm predicted. Since the best efforts of the various highway departments can't remove all of the snow/ice, I was considering leaving "4x4 High" engaged for the trip. I know I could still skid, and I know anti-lock brakes don't mean I would stop on a dime. I just feel that the power going to all 4 wheels will reduce the risk of driving in these conditions.

So am I asking for trouble? If I have 100 miles of dry pavement under the wheels while in 4x4 mode, will it do damage? Is Ford overly cautious in their manual?

Any advice on this subject would be appreciated! Thank you.

--Jess

 

[bikerboy4lif]

why don't you just turn the 4x4 on and off as you need it? It shouldn't hurt your truck anyway, runnning on pavement unless you try to turn sharp when in 4x4.

 

[RFR2212]

Originally posted by bikerboy4lif
why don't you just turn the 4x4 on and off as you need it? It shouldn't hurt your truck anyway, runnning on pavement unless you try to turn sharp when in 4x4.

I'd have to agree.. Just kick er into 4 wheel when the driving conditions worsen. No need to run 4x when the roads are clean and fine. Not to mention, it'll decrease the gas milage un necessairly

 

[jess466]

It actually has--and normally is in--"4x4 Auto". I guess I just feel better if I don't have to count on it sensing slip and engaging. If it's always on, it's always on. Right?

 

[GaSouthern1]

It will engage so fast that you wont even notice that it is not on.

 

[jess466]

Okay, not to be dense, but let me make sure I know what you folks are telling me. If I turn it on as I need it , that would mean leaving it one where I am going from dry to patches of snowy road and back with some frequency? Just leave it turned off if I am on road that is clearly and completely dry?

 

[MyExpWork]

Thats what I would do.

When its dry and good, leave it off. As the road worsens with snow or ice, flip it on, then turn back off again as the conditions get better.

Good luck.

Brian

 

[bikerboy4lif]

There really isn't much need to take it out of auto mode anyway. The only thing the 4x4 will do for you on the highway is stop the rear wheels from spinning out. But on your newer explorer, once your rear wheels spin, the front will engage anyway. Your explorer probably doesn't spin much on ice when you take off from a stop anyway does it? cuz your front wheels are probably engaging.

 

[Hokie]

Originally posted by GaSouthern1
It will engage so fast that you wont even notice that it is not on.

I disagree. I can definately feel the lag in Auto vs. 4Hi. I was out last night in the mountains in the 6-7" of crap we got and Auto seems sluggish to kick in and when it engages, the engine is usually spinning fast and I can hear the transfer case/front drive shaft/diff/etc 'clunk' into action. Then again, on road I probably can't tell much of a difference, but if there is a situation where you have 6" of snow on the road 4Hi will be better suited b/c if you get in a situation where you need wheelspin to keep your momentum, the Auto will engage abruptly which can't be good on your front drivetrain.

I tried all sorts of stops and starts to see how much it'll take for the auto to kick in. But, when driving on the highway, your drivetrain already spinning so the engagement is smooth. I only really hear a clunk when coming from a dead stop and the rear wheels are spinning and the fronts are barely moving.

 

[MONMIX]

well here is the deal,
4wd won't do jack for you on an ice patch at 65mph.
it is not about that. It is not about spinning out.

 

[jess466]

Yes, MONMIX, I know. As I said in the original post, "I know I could still skid..."

I am well aware of what a patch of ice can do. I also don't think anyone with a brain would be moving 65mph in these conditions. Nevertheless, four-wheel drive should help with patches of snow and slush. In fact, having driven with it today, I know it helps. Years ago, I had a 4x4 and have experience from that, too.

I appreciate your concern, but if I were the kind of person to drive at such speeds in icy conditions, words of advice wouldn't help--those people don't listen to reason.

What I was asking was whether there was any mechanical problem with leaving 4x4 on for a long period, especially if there are areas of dry pavement. I think I have my answer now, and I appreciate everyone who replied to my question.

--Jess

 

[blue_97_v8]

if there's any snow on the road i would put in 4x4

 

[MONMIX]

Originally posted by jess466
I also don't think anyone with a brain would be moving 65mph in these conditions.
--Jess

You have never driven in Maryland / D.C. I guess




That's cool. I by no means meant to insult your intelegence. There are some things that just need to be said from time to time. You never completely know who is reading

 

[jess466]

There are some things that just need to be said from time to time. You never completely know who is reading

This is true.

 

[Mbrooks420]

On road if it's not really really bad, I'd run auto. In icy conditions I'd rather not have the front wheels locked in permanently.