4X2 in Rain
- Thread starter darktiger
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Uhh, did you already get your 4runner? If not I'd seriously consider keeping the 4 in 4runner and going with 4WD or AWD if not for saftey but for resale.
The traction control systems are greatly enhanced by use of 4 compared to two wheels. But to answer your question; yea you'd probably do OK in rain with a 2wd, I've seen Cameros manage to stay on the highway in the rain but they didn't have the choice.
The traction control systems are greatly enhanced by use of 4 compared to two wheels. But to answer your question; yea you'd probably do OK in rain with a 2wd, I've seen Cameros manage to stay on the highway in the rain but they didn't have the choice.
Sac State
New member
Get the 4x4, in either V6 or V8 model. You won't be disappointed. And, as noted, it is better for resale. Don't worry too much about added maintenance being a 4x4, the modern Toyota 4Runner uses a very stout and durable system. Four wheel traction is best when you DON"T expect you'll need it. ie. snow, rain, ice, sleet
By the time you realize you need 4x4 it is usually too late.
By the time you realize you need 4x4 it is usually too late.
peter78
Super Moderator
I am not so sure about that. Any vehicle can loose traction or hydroplane, at least in my opinion.darktiger said:
And since I am in the arguring mood, I want to attack the re-sale value of a 4WD. I went to intellichoice and plugged in two models, both SR5 2003 and I found out it costs $30,037 to own the 2WD for 5 years and it cost $32,323 to own the 4WD for 5 years. Sure, the 4WD has better re-sale, but compared to what you paid, you loose a little over $2,000.
The best choice for a SUV in the under $30,000 class and the over $30,000 class by intellichoice are both 2WD. Sorry niether one was a 4Runner. So 2WD is cheaper to own.
http://www.intellichoice.com/
OK, now I will get off my soapbox.
:soapbox:
Perhaps resale is not a good reason to choose between 2 or 4WD. The only real reason to make the choice is your driving profile. I live in the mountains, play in the mountains and go to places where 2WD is not an option, not a smart one anyway.
If 2WD type driving is all you're gonna do you may want to consider something like a Highlander that will be more comfortable for that style of driving. Otherwise, if it's the creature comforts and style of the 4Runner you're after a 2WD will probably make you happy but like someone else said, you're happiness will be replaced with buyers remorse once you're in a position requiring 4WD.
Peter makes a valid point about any car 2, 4 or 18 wheels being able to hydroplane. In fact, on icy roads you typically don't want your 4wd on as it could cross grip and spin you. Traction control helps to eliminate this concern but, no matter, no configuration will totally eradicate sliding in the rain. But 4WD will help you get out of the ditch once you do. Finally, avalablity is poor all over the country for certain trims on the 4Runner now. Hang on, be patient and buy what you want, not what they have, even if it's not gonna happen till Chistmas!
If 2WD type driving is all you're gonna do you may want to consider something like a Highlander that will be more comfortable for that style of driving. Otherwise, if it's the creature comforts and style of the 4Runner you're after a 2WD will probably make you happy but like someone else said, you're happiness will be replaced with buyers remorse once you're in a position requiring 4WD.
Peter makes a valid point about any car 2, 4 or 18 wheels being able to hydroplane. In fact, on icy roads you typically don't want your 4wd on as it could cross grip and spin you. Traction control helps to eliminate this concern but, no matter, no configuration will totally eradicate sliding in the rain. But 4WD will help you get out of the ditch once you do. Finally, avalablity is poor all over the country for certain trims on the 4Runner now. Hang on, be patient and buy what you want, not what they have, even if it's not gonna happen till Chistmas!
Thai
Elite Member
DarkTiger,
Hydroplaning is not due to the vehicle itself per say. It is more about your TIRES. If you buy good, high quality tires, then the risk of hydroplaning is much less. (Of course, being a SUV, the 4runner does not have the same dynamics as a car.)
Good, high quality tires: Michelin Cross-Terrains, Bridgestone Dueler H/L or AT REVO, Goodyear Fortera, Michelin LTX M/S, etc..
As i stated in your previous thread (4x4 vs. 4x2: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1221), at highway speed, the MOST important safety feature on your 4runner is VSC (stability control), NOT traction control. Traction control (ABS pulsing the slipping wheel) is NOT very effective at high speed...in most cars, the computer decreases traction control intervention at high speed (Land Rover shuts it off above about 40 mph). Why?? Because it may cause sudden shift in driving dynamics that may surprise the driver...in addition, MOMENTUM is the main thing when you go at high speed.
Because of momentum, VSC becomes ever more important. VSC will brake the appropriate wheel to correct/prevent OVERSTEER or UNDERSTEER...basically, VSC prevents a spin-out (oversteer) or you jumping off a mountain road at a sharp curve (understeer). VSC computer may detect this BEFORE you are even aware of it. That's the beauty of it!
VSC uses the ABS sensors, along with your steering wheel angle and G-sensor to determine the correct path. It will then use it's 4-channel ABS system (standard on all 4runners; thus VSC is standard) to pulse the appropriate wheel(s) to help you steer in the proper direction. VSC will also de-throttle you to cut engine power...thus, cutting momentum, allowing you to steer easier.
VSC has also been proven in a recent CONSUMER REPORTS article to PREVENT roll-overs! Another great side benefit!
So, to your original question, TIRES are the most important thing in preventing hydroplane. However, VSC is the most important safety feature to have at highway speed IF your tires fail.
And if your tires and VSC fail, then let's hope that the airbags work as advertise and that your Toyota engineers designed the 4runner's body well!
Hope this helps.
P.S.: For more info on VSC (stability control), please see this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...?s=&threadid=12
(Just scroll down)
Hydroplaning is not due to the vehicle itself per say. It is more about your TIRES. If you buy good, high quality tires, then the risk of hydroplaning is much less. (Of course, being a SUV, the 4runner does not have the same dynamics as a car.)
Good, high quality tires: Michelin Cross-Terrains, Bridgestone Dueler H/L or AT REVO, Goodyear Fortera, Michelin LTX M/S, etc..
As i stated in your previous thread (4x4 vs. 4x2: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1221), at highway speed, the MOST important safety feature on your 4runner is VSC (stability control), NOT traction control. Traction control (ABS pulsing the slipping wheel) is NOT very effective at high speed...in most cars, the computer decreases traction control intervention at high speed (Land Rover shuts it off above about 40 mph). Why?? Because it may cause sudden shift in driving dynamics that may surprise the driver...in addition, MOMENTUM is the main thing when you go at high speed.
Because of momentum, VSC becomes ever more important. VSC will brake the appropriate wheel to correct/prevent OVERSTEER or UNDERSTEER...basically, VSC prevents a spin-out (oversteer) or you jumping off a mountain road at a sharp curve (understeer). VSC computer may detect this BEFORE you are even aware of it. That's the beauty of it!
VSC uses the ABS sensors, along with your steering wheel angle and G-sensor to determine the correct path. It will then use it's 4-channel ABS system (standard on all 4runners; thus VSC is standard) to pulse the appropriate wheel(s) to help you steer in the proper direction. VSC will also de-throttle you to cut engine power...thus, cutting momentum, allowing you to steer easier.
VSC has also been proven in a recent CONSUMER REPORTS article to PREVENT roll-overs! Another great side benefit!
So, to your original question, TIRES are the most important thing in preventing hydroplane. However, VSC is the most important safety feature to have at highway speed IF your tires fail.
And if your tires and VSC fail, then let's hope that the airbags work as advertise and that your Toyota engineers designed the 4runner's body well!
Hope this helps.
P.S.: For more info on VSC (stability control), please see this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...?s=&threadid=12
(Just scroll down)
03 4Runner
New member
I would also recommend the 4x4 as it will give better forward traction in the rain. The traction control helps in 2wd but I have noticed the VSC cuts back the engine power when turning and accelerating hard to prevent spinning out. In 4wd it seems to me it is less prone to leave you hanging when turning onto a highway. Yes, I have a few highway entrances with no on ramp
peter78
Super Moderator
mtnrunner said:
Boy, I get up on the wrong side of bed, wanting to argue and you guys don't even give me a hard time.
I can tell you my personal experience is after driving little front wheel drive cars for twenty years, the 3rd generation 4Runner is well, different. In a big puddle the 4Runner plows through with no thought of hydroplanning as my little cars would. Traction is better than in my small cars. Also my rear view mirrors are heated and the heat evaporates the water on the mirrors. I prefer the 4Runner in rainy wheather over my other cars.
I agree if you are found wanting 4WD after getting a 2WD, that would be a bad thing. You really need to evaluate your needs before you buy.
As far as being $2,000 difference after 5 years of ownership, I think intellichoice is including extra insurance and mantaince over the 5 years.
So, I'll try not wake up on the wrong side of bed tomorrow.
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thunderpaw
New member
darktiger said:
hydroplaning is caused by factors you haven't mentioned.
Essentially if the tires are either too wide or don't shed water good enough for the speed the vehicle is traveling, the vehicle will begin to float (hydroplaning) on the water.
No vehicle is immune...
