When to use 4WD and when not? Need to know..

[Justin says...]

Hey guys. As this is my first truck, I have some questions regarding 4WD usage so that I do not hurt the vehicle. Its a '22 Ranger XLT sport 4WD.

I frequently have to use 4WD for 20 foot sections at a time such as a steep driveway with some slippery leaves on it. At these times, I dont steer (as much as possible) and return to 2WD asap.

However, it was snowy this morning and I needed to use 4WD (since 2H was slipping) to go up a slight incline and turn hard to the right. I put it back in regular 2WD as soon as I could since I obviously didn't want to harm anything.

What about roads like this? If you have 4WD on, is it ok to make turns? I think the front diff is open, so I dont see how it would harm anything.

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[Muscleford]

As long as there is some slippage you will not hurt 4wd. In my opinion the road conditions in your picture will not hurt 4wd.

 

[Bsthroop]

You are correct in wanting to limit use when not needed. Any time you slip in 2wd it is fine to use 4wd. If you have lockers those should be reserved for more extreme off road or heavier ice and snowpack. As the surface changes to more dry you can switch back to 2wd . Turning is fine and when you do sharper turns you may notice bucking a bit, if excessive means you may not need 4wd depending on the surface.

 

[AzScorpion]

One thing I do because we obviously don't have bad whether here is engage my 4wd every few month. I'll go to an open parking lot (keeping it straight) and run it a few hundred feet in 4wd. I know they use to recommend doing this years ago to make sure things don't get bound up and the newer ones might not need to do this but old habits die hard. I've done this with every truck I've owned and have never had any problems with them so it must work. lol

 

[raytwntrvlr]

Just my 2 centavos here but, I would not be using 4WD for the road conditions shown in your example. Looks like a divided highway (speeds above 50 mph) and there's just a dusting of snow on mostly open pavement.

 

[mtbikernate]

while using 4wd is okay on those roads, I agree that I wouldn't be using it on that. steep stuff, sure. this time of year, I use 4wd just to get out of my driveway (steep but only a couple car lengths long). then I'm back to 2wd for the roads.

the only time I'm in 4wd in the snow is when it's fairly deep and just moving forward is a challenge. now, it's times like this, though, that I do wish our trucks had a full time 4wd/awd mode.

 

[GTGallop]

I do not use 4wd on municipal grade paved streets.
On country roads that were paved but poorly maintained, it depends on the conditions. Rain? Snow? Yes. More gravel than tarmac? Yes.

Off road I use 4wd all the time to maintain control.

Down steep embankments I use 4Lo. Otherwise I haven't really needed it.

Ronny Dahl ==> https://www.youtube.com/@Ronny_Dahl
and
4xOverland ==> https://www.youtube.com/@4xoverland

There is some great off-roading tips and tricks in these channels for you if you want to learn.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Highways? I rarely use 4WD and only when there is heavy snow cover - enough that everyone has lowered their speed. In snow, I like that it helps keep the ass-end from getting away on you if you have to turn or change lanes a bit too quickly. It can still get loose, but 4WD helps. Practise in a snow-covered parking lot. Take off from a standstill and you’ll feel the rear end get loose - do it in 4H and you’ll lurch forward in a straight line.

Surface streets? I only use 4WD when there is very heavy snow cover and I’m slipping in 2WD and it feels like I might get stuck. As soon as I’m heading onto a street that’s cleared, I’m back in 2WD. You want to do your best to avoid getting caught trying to make a turn in 4WD on a surface that doesn’t have any give. It’s easy to forget you’re in 4H on a drier surface but you sure get reminded quickly when you turn a corner.

For that road in your picture - not really necessary but likely won’t hurt anything. For that slippery, steep, muddy looking side road off to the left - yep - 4H.

 

[Dereku]

Hey guys. As this is my first truck, I have some questions regarding 4WD usage so that I do not hurt the vehicle. Its a '22 Ranger XLT sport 4WD.

I frequently have to use 4WD for 20 foot sections at a time such as a steep driveway with some slippery leaves on it. At these times, I dont steer (as much as possible) and return to 2WD asap.

However, it was snowy this morning and I needed to use 4WD (since 2H was slipping) to go up a slight incline and turn hard to the right. I put it back in regular 2WD as soon as I could since I obviously didn't want to harm anything.

What about roads like this? If you have 4WD on, is it ok to make turns? I think the front diff is open, so I dont see how it would harm anything.

Just drove in a blizzard last night. Only used 4wd to get moving. 2wd once moving. Thst picture is 2wd all day

 

[Msfitoy]

Hey guys. As this is my first truck, I have some questions regarding 4WD usage so that I do not hurt the vehicle. Its a '22 Ranger XLT sport 4WD.

I frequently have to use 4WD for 20 foot sections at a time such as a steep driveway with some slippery leaves on it. At these times, I dont steer (as much as possible) and return to 2WD asap.

However, it was snowy this morning and I needed to use 4WD (since 2H was slipping) to go up a slight incline and turn hard to the right. I put it back in regular 2WD as soon as I could since I obviously didn't want to harm anything.

What about roads like this? If you have 4WD on, is it ok to make turns? I think the front diff is open, so I dont see how it would harm anything.

Perfectly fine on slippery roads like this...

 

[WingShot]

If the back end slips a little and your butt puckers up, put it in 4WD. If the back end slips a little and you think it was kind of fun, counter steer and give it a little more gas!

Use 4WD whenever it makes you more comfortable and driving safe. Only you can adequately judge the road conditions at the time, and they are constantly changing. When the Princess is in the truck, she wants it in “4 wheel go” if it just looks like it might rain!

 

[Elgorr4]

I wouldn't be in 4wd on that road but I doubt it will hurt anything. If you're spinning from stoplights then it is a good idea to be in 4wd. If I am going 50mph+ it is likely not slippery enough to be in 4wd.

 

[Frenchy]

If you haven't done so already the best thing you need to do is get a good set of tires. Also to sandbags in the bed of the truck will help him a lot. Do that and that'll make a huge difference as for the picture you have listed for the road I would stay in two wheel drive for that. Only time I would worry about four wheel drive as if the road is so slick and completely covered in snow and ice and going slow speed if you have to be at 4 wheel drive and high speed you need to slow down.

 

[Big Blue]

As you can tell a variety of opinions as to what exactly requires 4WD. Dry pavement a definate NO. Wet snow/slush that is a judgement call.

I was out in the mess here yesterday. Used 4WD on the mostly unplowed surface streets. Once I got on the highway, switched to 2WD as it was mostly wet pavement.

 

[LostMy65]

One thing I do because we obviously don't have bad whether here is engage my 4wd every few month. I'll go to an open parking lot (keeping it straight) and run it a few hundred feet in 4wd. I know they use to recommend doing this years ago to make sure things don't get bound up and the newer ones might not need to do this but old habits die hard. I've done this with every truck I've owned and have never had any problems with them so it must work. lol

Yep, I was recently reading about that recommendation.

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