KidVermicious
New member
^ I wonder how much that snow weighs.
What is winter?
- Thread starter jpshoe
- Start date
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I heard if that you shape the snow on top into an aerodynamic design it improves fuel economy and produces 20 HP. Can be higher if you etch the letters "TRD" into the snow.
Could. From what I've seen nobody is enforcing it!
OP- first snowfall get out in the wal-mart parking lot and deliberately lose control. Then learn how to react when it does, that way you'll be ready if it happens on a real road. Watch out for hidden curbs in the parking lot though!
I personally like to stay out of 4wd too. If you're in 2wd the back end might kick out, you can deal with that. If you lose all 4 wheels you're going wherever the truck goes!
JayRolla
New member
But in 4wd if you throttle through the slide you can drive out of it having control of front tires. In RWD you cant really do that. Subaru runs a winter driving course that teaches you this.
I recall that pic was out of the Buffalo area, when they got that snowstorm that made the National news, last year.
The snow had high water content. I wouldn't be surprised if it's pushing 1k lbs. His rear tires appear heavily loaded, assuming they are inflated to similar PSI as his front tires. It also appears he was bashing through drifts and bent his front bumper.
MtnT4R
New member
Also watch out for cops. Reckless driving is still reckless driving if its in a parking lot. Some cops might talk to you and let you go, but if it looks like you're spinning donuts they'll slap you with a fine.
Another thought- traction control can get you into an accident in a hurry if you're trying to pull into traffic and your tires start slipping. The system kills your throttle so you stop spinning the tires- leaving your ass literally hanging out in cross traffic- which is usually when Murphy will send a big truck with a texting driver your way. On highway you can get away with 2WD if you are nice and gentle with the throttle and brakes, but in town driving is MUCH easier if you keep it in 4WD when theres ice and snow on the ground.
When you get there and it starts storming, keep a mental note of the vehicles you find in the ditch. Mail ten bucks to me when you realize that 90% of them are 4WD trucks and SUVs. 4WD is NOT an excuse to drive faster than everyone else.
EDIT: As far as brushing snow off your 4Runner, don't half ass it with a scraper brush or a house broom. Go buy a push broom and sweep the darn thing off in about 15 seconds when you go out to start it up to warm before driving.
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jeremyc74
Banned
It might have already been mentioned, but in a quick scan I didn't see it, and it's the MOST important thing you need to check, and that's the antifreeze.
People in FL don't have to worry about it, but if yours isn't mixed properly when the weather does finally turn cold up there you could be in for serious trouble. I know people who've moved from FL and ended up with a busted block the first time the temperature goes negative.
Antifreeze testing is free at a lot of auto parts stores.
The next thing I'd take care of is the washer fluid, but that's already been mentioned. I have a busted washer fluid reservoir in my BMW because I bought it in FL and then drove up north for the holidays. The jug said it was good for -10, but it wasn't and it froze and busted the tank. I have to pull the whole damned passenger side fender off to replace it! :argue:
(Not mine, but very similar)
People in FL don't have to worry about it, but if yours isn't mixed properly when the weather does finally turn cold up there you could be in for serious trouble. I know people who've moved from FL and ended up with a busted block the first time the temperature goes negative.
Antifreeze testing is free at a lot of auto parts stores.
The next thing I'd take care of is the washer fluid, but that's already been mentioned. I have a busted washer fluid reservoir in my BMW because I bought it in FL and then drove up north for the holidays. The jug said it was good for -10, but it wasn't and it froze and busted the tank. I have to pull the whole damned passenger side fender off to replace it! :argue:
(Not mine, but very similar)
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MtnT4R
New member
I would pay good money to watch someone do this. :snacker:
white_n_slow
Senior Member
Funny you mention this, we had a blizzard this morning and when I went outside to brush of my is350, the wind had hit it from the front and loaded up a really sleek looking "fastback" onto the trunk area. Looked like a cross between a tesla and a crx. I wish I had thought to take a picture.
MtnT4R
New member
Out of curiosity, did your family happen to mention how awesome winter is? because POWDAH
True, I was more going for the "you're going to realize how shitty it is and slow down sooner in 2wd" angle.
I'm sure the subaru course covers how you're going to save gas with 4wd too!
It's like that infomercial for something that does 10 things, but the last 8 are reaching!That's why I leave it in 2wd until I really need it, otherwise I'll get cocky and join those other guys in the ditch! But yeah, for a beginner I suppose it would be easier to get around in 4X4 as long as you keep in mind that it's actually slipperier than you think it is
Out of curiosity, did your family happen to mention how awesome winter is? because POWDAH
haha. Chicago is well known for its powder I'm sure! The powder is that 1" thick layer at the edge of the ice that's on the rest of the hill!
KidVermicious
New member
This gives me an idea. Next time we get a good dump I'm going to leave a Mohawk of snow on top of my truck. After I get off the freeway I bet it looks like a shark fin.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Lol, do it! Or better yet, just carve an actual shark and leave it on the roof.
mmendelscfi
New member
I made the move to upstate NY from FL a while back. I had a 69 Camaro back then (Which I wish I still had) and it was a horror show in the snow.
Having said that the best advice I got was the following:
"Even if you have 4WD to get you going you still have the same number of brakes as everybody else"
Sometimes getting going in snow with 4WD is the easy part. Stopping when you need to more important.
Having said that the best advice I got was the following:
"Even if you have 4WD to get you going you still have the same number of brakes as everybody else"
Sometimes getting going in snow with 4WD is the easy part. Stopping when you need to more important.
I hope this was back in '75 when you were winter beating in a 69 camaro!
