I know this has been asked many times before but many people would give the blunt answer of NEVER USE 4X4 ON PAVEMENT

So... theres about 2 (and rising) inches of snow here on the roads. Can one use 4x4 in this situation? I used it on my way home and I was amazed! This jeep STICKS to the ground. So is this ok?

Thanks and sorry for a another one of these questions
Jacob

 

I dunno if others would disagree with me, but I would say you are fine as long as conditions offer a slippery enough surface where the driveline will slip a wheel a little bitl instead of binding. In other words, if it is 2 inches, but there are ruts and your wheels are down to the pavement, I'd probably stick with 2wd. Being in 4 wheel probably won't help much anyway. If it is 2 inches covered and slippery, 4 wheel to get you going. (With the traction control, whether you can get moving without difficulty may also be a good indicator of when to use 4 wheel).

BTW, I am assuming your question is in regards to normal street driving.

 

I'd agree as long as there is minimal contact on the pavement. You still probably would be okay, but you'd be putting unnecessary stress on your driveline which may cause problems.

 

You're right on. The key is to avoid using 4WD in situations where you'd encounter axle binding while turning... meaning, if you're in 4WD and there's "too much" traction while you're turning, the tires on each axle aren't able to rotate at different speeds relative to one another, which causes binding. Binding (over time) = breakage.

I believe that you'd be fine so long as there's consistent snow cover. Oh, and it probably goes without saying, but you'd only want to engage 4HI (not 4LO). At the first hint of resistance while turning (i.e., binding), turn off 4WD to avoid costly damage!

 

if you can see pavement - no 4x4.

 

I have always blindly followed this rule of no 4wheel on pavement because it is the conventional wisdom. But I never have really understood it. The concern is binding in a turn but unless you are locked wouldn't the limited slip differentials allow one wheel to turn faster than the other. After all thats where the term differential comes from. LOL. Anyway I have always wondered but never asked so someone please help me out. I know I'm missing something obvious.

 

You are correct from side-to-side, but think about front-to-back. There's no differential between the two axles, and your front and back wheels follow different paths in a turn, thus they travel a different distance.