2010 Limited in the Snow

[ciaz]

I have a 2010 4runner Limited w/ 4x4. I'm planning on taking it on a snowboarding trip later this week. I've driven various cars in the snow over the years, but never a Toyota SUV. Could someone walk me through how the 4wheel drive controls (4HF vs. 4HL) and ATRAC should be used in the snow?

Thanks in advance guys. Any comments will be helpful.

 

[jerhu]

I have a 2010 4runner Limited w/ 4x4. I'm planning on taking it on a snowboarding trip later this week. I've driven various cars in the snow over the years, but never a Toyota SUV. Could someone walk me through how the 4wheel drive controls (4HF vs. 4HL) and ATRAC should be used in the snow?

Thanks in advance guys. Any comments will be helpful.

If you're slipping along too much just turn the knob to H4L, you can do it while you driving at any speed according to the user manual. I'm running a set of winter tires, so unless i'm really not gripping well i'm always on H4F. I don't really have to use A-Trac, H4L is plenty enough.

 

[bpwilton]

It might be slightly different with the full-time 4wd of the Limited, but for my SR5 with part-time 4wd, in 2HI or 4HI, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-Trac (Active Traction) are always on. If I shift to 4LO, they automatically turn off because it's probably now better to allow some vehicle slipping/sliding and wheel slipping. Once they are off in 4LO, you can push the A-TRAC button to turn traction control back on if the surface is particulary slipperly (maybe your starting from a stop on ice or snow). Also, if operating in 4HI, you can turn OFF VSC and/or A-Trac--helpful if you get stuck in snow or mud and you need to rock the vehicle to get out.

 

[mikeync]

You are driving a Limited - it is full time 4WD. I don't think you will need anything else

 

[M1911]

It is full-time 4WD. I would leave it as is -- don't lock the center diff unless you are stuck. One thing you will find out, however, is that all-season tires just aren't very good in snow. Also, the 4Runner's sophisticated 4WD system makes it easy to get overconfident; when you hit the gas, the truck will move out with little slipping. But that 4WD system doesn't help you turn or stop. So drive with extra caution. If there is no one behind you and you are on a straight section of road, hit the brake hard so that you can judge how well you are stopping.

And next year consider a dedicated set of snow tires. They make a huge difference in turning and stopping in the snow.

 

[mikeync]

It is full-time 4WD. I would leave it as is -- don't lock the center diff unless you are stuck. One thing you will find out, however, is that all-season tires just aren't very good in snow. Also, the 4Runner's sophisticated 4WD system makes it easy to get overconfident; when you hit the gas, the truck will move out with little slipping. But that 4WD system doesn't help you turn or stop. So drive with extra caution. If there is no one behind you and you are on a straight section of road, hit the brake hard so that you can judge how well you are stopping.

And next year consider a dedicated set of snow tires. They make a huge difference in turning and stopping in the snow.

Brand new tires makes up for some if the weather isn't to cold. I know snow tires are better, but these new tires perform very well on snow (and I have had them in plenty of snow to test). The freezing point is obviously at a much higher temperature and if they freeze they will suck as any other all-round tire.