If you've ever wondered why you can't take your Ferrari or Mustang out in the snow, get in line. You and the other thousand other owners who want to take their vehicles out in the snow yet don't have the right powertrain to do so. Ever since driver's ed, we are taught that the best car to use in the snow is the one that has an AWD format.
However, we're very rarely ever taught why. All-wheel drive cars are perfect in the snow because of their ability to give you better control over the vehicle due to power being available to all four wheels-- preventing slippage.
Now it's time to delve deeper into the topic and truly understand why cars that can send power to all four wheels are a great tool to use in the winter time-- a phenomenon that most Americans go through every given year. Even on other terrains, you'd be lucky to have an all-wheel drive vehicle by your side.
Advantages Of Having AWD Cars In The Snow
While it may seem straightforward, it's precisely the reason AWD cars are a useful commodity to have in the wintertime. In a two-wheel drive car, power is sent to one of two axles, only powering those while the other two wheels go limp. This means they only spin at will, not able to get any traction or extra oomph on a snowy or icy surface.
All-wheel drive cars mainly power one axle, but when the car's engine computer senses a slippage or loss of traction, the computer sends power immediately in order to regain control on the ground. This makes it much easier for an AWD vehicle to drive on a snowy or slippery road.
The benefit of sending power to all four wheels is evident-- you have much better control of your vehicle on rough surfaces. This means if you're stuck in a snow ditch, the car can send power to the necessary wheels in order to drive out. It also means that if you hit something like black ice, the fallout and aftermath of regaining steering won't be nearly as bad as if in a rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive vehicle.
All-Wheel-Drive Is Available In Most Types Of Cars
Perhaps a big plus of AWD vehicles is that their use isn't restricted to a certain class of vehicles. When you think of all-wheel drive, you may think of a big, burly SUV going through Moab or trudging through Alaska. However, AWD is a standard or available option on most vehicles. Take, for example, the sportiest of sports cars-- Lamborghini. They offer an AWD Huracan, perfect for launches but also on a snowy day if you so choose to get your bull wet and dirty.
This means you're no longer relegated to a very slim number of vehicles if you wanted to purchase an AWD vehicle. You don't get slim pickings on a boring vehicle that you didn't want but need. You can have more fun with your cars, enticing you to drive more in the wintertime. For anyone living in the north, this opens up your options a lot more. You don't have to buy the cliche Subaru or Land Cruiser... you could get a Ferrari GTC 4Lusso if you so choose. Granted, you should probably give us a spin if you get one.
AWD Has Added Benefits Like Extra Weight
You've probably heard the adage - the heavier, the better; when it comes to winter driving. An added perk of having an all-wheel drive vehicle is its extra weight. The added poundage from the relatively large and bulky system gives the tires more grip because of the extra weight being pushed down on the ground. This, in turn, can get you out of some sticky situations where things can go awry quickly. No longer would you have to worry about digging your car out or pouring cat litter under the drive wheels.
Another added benefit is its ability to keep you stable on slippery roads. While we talked about the AWD system's usage in a situation where you, the driver, are stuck, the system can also keep you level if you hit a patch of black ice. The car's computer can detect slippage and send an adequate amount of power to that wheel or cut of power completely, allowing you to have slightly better control over your vehicle and better overall peace of mind when it comes to driving through a snowstorm.
The bottom line is an AWD-equipped car works better in winter conditions than any other drivetrain – and you should consider buying one if you experience snow a lot through the year where you live.