Should the 4x4 be this week??!

[pico]

Originally Posted by Carbon

That is highly unlikely.

I took it as just a mistaken estimate.

Now THIS DRIVEWAY is insane.

[Freedom55]

If the snow was wet the a/s or a/t tires treads can fill up quickly and leave you with very little traction contrary to true winter tires; also if the tires were underinflated, they would give you less traction contrary to popular belief as the softer carcass has much more rolling resistance.

I hope my 40 years driving experience in snow country helps a bit!

[Dr. Dyno]

Originally Posted by TanyaAD138

I have a 2006 Rav4 limited 4x4 and this past winter my truck left me puzzled.

My driveway is a bit of a hill (give or take 20-30 degree pitch). Went to go back the truck in the driveway after the snow storm and i was sliding all over the place and couldn't make it up the driveway, all alarms buzzing that im sliding, hit the lock. Still can't make it?!. We also have a Mazda3 and that thing made it in reverse up the hill/driveway with no issue??!?!??! How the hell does a mazda3 with zero awd out perform a limited?!

My tires are Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S and brand new. So it can't be tires...? (could it?)

I thought the 4x4 was stronger than this? I thought this truck could handle more than this?? I dont know what to think right now. Kinda heart broken honestly <=/

Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!!

- Tanya

Tanya,
If all four tires are spinning with alarms etc, the drivetrain is operating properly. Sliding sideways confirms that. What's left is the tires.

I had a similar experience the other day. (I have stock tires.) With about 2" of snow I backed across my yard to my shed in the backyard to look for some lumber. When I tried to drive away up a slight uphill I decided to punch it a little. To my surprise it didn't jump forward as I expected. Did some sideways sliding and some traction control thumping instead. Easier on the gas and I drove right out.
I'd remembered how aggressively it accelerated on a slush covered parking lot and figured on the same reaction. It didn't happen because wet grass under melting snow doesn't have the same traction as pavement under slush.

So don't worry about anything wrong with the car itself. It's strictly a tires vs. traction issue.

[vanib]

From a stand still, even in few inches of snow, you would need decent tires and drive slow. With ice under the snow, there is a good chance of slipping. Clear the snow and spread some sand/gravel to increase traction and may be salt to melt any ice.