AWD : Suitable for snowy, icy conditions?

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 19:40

Hi Fellas,

I own a RWD car. In the snow last year I had one or two very hairy moments when the back spun out due to loss of traction. This was despite the car having a "snow mode" and traction control. Fortunately, I was able to correct the problem before hitting other road-users or the ditch. But it wasn't a lot of fun at the time.

For this reason I am considering getting an AWD vehicle. I do not want a 4x4 as I never go off road and consider such vehicles pointless unless you are going to use them for such activities.

I am not a car expert, but there must be a difference between AWD and 4x4 or else all the vehicles that can send power to all-wheels would be called AWDs (or perhaps 4x4s)

Two questions :

1) Can some one, using basic terms, tell me the difference between AWDs and 4x4s

2) Could you let me know if AWDs would be better (in terms of traction and less likelihood of skidding etc) in snow/icy conditions or should I just stick with RWD and buy a decent set of snow tyres for the winter months

Appreciate all your help...

Hussman

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 19:49

Surely, just because an event (in this case snow) is unlikely doesn't mean you shouldn't factor it into your thinking?

You could say fatal crashes are rare, therefore I won't consider buying a car with additional safety features as it won't happen to me.

I want to make an informed decision, that's all.

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 19:55

A valid point.

I do not consider myself to be "the best driver", but have noticed a big difference in icy conditions with a RWD car compared to my previous (FWD) one.

In normal conditions, I prefer the RWD. Was just wondering what AWD offered (if anything) over FWD/RWD in ice/snow.

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 19:57

crinkleshoes said:
1. None
2. Yes

You would benefit infinitely more by keeping the same car and learning how to drive it properly... sideways moments are perfectly avoidable.

Thanks for clearing that up

Skid pan course, or similar perhaps? Any recommendations?

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 20:07

I agree that using the car in such conditions was not the best option. However, I had to use the car to return home after a night out when the road had become snow-bound during the course of the evening. It was clear (just blinking cold!) when I left home for my night out.

Looks like I need to brush up on my skills (fair enough, we can all improve) and perhaps buy snow tyres.

So, does anyone here have first hand experience of such tyres? Are they worth it or is it a gimmick?

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 20:16

It's a Lexus is200.

My partner has now seen this thread and tells me I don't need an AWD.

Thanks to Fox, and others, my argument for buying a secondhand Lexus LS600h has just gone up in smoke!!!

Jeez!

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 20:19

crinkleshoes said:
I would be inclined to purchase a second set of wheels (not new, just cheap 2nd hand things) with snow tyres... so for most of the year you can drive round with nice wheels on normal tyres but you still have that backup for when the weather goes bonkers.

This seems a sensible option, and less than a new car.

Thanks

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 20:30

Disco Boy said:
Okay...

Lol. Just lol. You want to compromise your car for the sake of twice a year? You even said yourself that having a four wheel drive car is pointless. Having four driven wheels doesn't make as big a difference in snow as everyone seems to think, you still have only four braked wheels, and not being able to stop is much more likely to cause an accident than not being able to set off! In fact having a four wheel drive car is arguably more likely to result in you having a crash in snow, because you'll be driving everywhere instead of parked on your drive!

I'm not sure the LOLs are necessary

Sorry that I am not a petrol-head expert.

I said having a 4x4 is pointless (for my needs). 4x4 is, in some respects, different to AWD.

I was asking for advice from people who may have more knowledge than I did in this area.

If I knew the answer I wouldn't have asked.

Hussman · 11 Apr 2012 at 21:03

Thank you for the help Guys.

Much clearer now. Appreciate the fact you all took time to offer advice and opinion.

Hussman.

Hussman · 12 Apr 2012 at 00:02

doofski said:
Having decent tyres in winter conditions is probably more important than AWD. To be honest though your biggest concern should be all the other muppets on the road still driving like its summer.

Quoted for truth !

Hussman · 15 Apr 2012 at 14:48

Telescopi said:
Given your description (it snowed while you were out and getting home was a bit hair raising) you need to spend ~£70 on snow socks (front and rear as rwd).

ps. doesn't Kent tend to get a bit more snow than most of England?

Will look into the "socks" option.

Kent probably doesn't get a worst amount of snow than anywhere else, but parts are very hilly.

The weather tends to be more extreme on the hilly bits, and snow/ice on hills isn't conducive to east starting-cornering-stopping.