Winter is coming, and you know what that means. It’s time to prepare your front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle for the cold temperature and icy roads. First, however, you’ll have to figure out if driving your FWD vehicle in the snow is a good idea or if you should just leave it in the garage until the snow melts.
Contrary to popular belief, all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles aren’t the only ones that can conquer winter’s icy roads. FWD vehicles fare pretty well too, at least when compared to rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles.
Because FWD vehicles only send power to the front wheels, they’re easier to control in the snow than RWD vehicles. The tail end of an RWD vehicle can easily step out when accelerating on a slippery surface. Meanwhile, an FWD vehicle is more likely to stay on course, mostly because most of its weight rests on its front wheels.
An FWD vehicle might not accelerate as quickly as an AWD, but installing good-quality snow tires on an FWD can help even out the playing field.
The answer to the question, “Is FWD good in snow?” is about more than just your vehicle’s drivetrain. How you drive your vehicle also plays a big part.
Before you drive off in your FWD vehicle, here are a few tips to consider:
Before heading out, you might want to check the local weather report first. Avoid traveling if there’s a snowstorm and consider rescheduling your trip until the worst is over. Check for traffic reports about the roads you’ll be passing as they might be closed due to the snow.
You should be doing this year-round, but it never hurts to do an extra routine inspection before winter settles in. Check on your car battery, charging system, and belts. Make sure all of your lights are working, including your emergency flashers. If your coolant is old or dirty, drain and replace it according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Did you know that as the outside temperature drops, so does your vehicle’s tire pressure? This is why you should regularly check your tire pressure during the winter. Keep a close eye on your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and make sure each tire meets your manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure.
You can check the TPMS placard inside the driver door jamb for proper tire pressure for your vehicle.
If you really want to prepare your vehicle for the winter, why not invest in winter wiper blades? Snow often gets stuck on regular wiper blades, making it hard for them to clean your windshield. On the other hand, winter wiper blades come with a rubber boot that prevents ice and snow from sticking.
You’d be surprised by how fast windshield wiper fluid can run out, especially during the winter. Refill your vehicle’s wiper fluid regularly, and be sure to use a high-quality one with de-icing properties.
Also make sure if you’re somewhere really cold, you have windshield washer fluid for extremely low temperatures so that it doesn’t freeze.
You can never be too prepared, so why not put together a winter survival kit? A flashlight, a small shovel, and a bag of cat litter are some things you might need in case you find yourself stuck in the snow. It also wouldn’t hurt to pack winter gloves and a thick blanket.
Once your vehicle is winter-ready, consider these tips to help you brave the snowy roads:
One of the biggest tips to remember when you’re driving in the snow is to avoid stopping the car unless it’s necessary. Your FWD vehicle is only good in the snow when you’re in full control of it, and hitting the brakes too often can cause your car to lose traction.
Avoid jerky movements at all costs. This includes steering too fast, slamming the brakes, and making sharp turns. It’s all too easy to lose control of your FWD vehicle on snowy roads, so take it easy while driving.
Never, ever take your eyes off the road when you’re driving in the snow. Keep your eyes peeled for snow types that are easier to drive through than others. As much as possible, avoid driving over black ice, which can cause your FWD vehicle to spin out of control.
Who says the snow can’t be your friend? Sometimes, you can use thick snow to help slow down your FWD vehicle. Avoid accelerating while driving over thick snow so you can stay in control.
It might take you some time to get used to commanding your front-wheel drive vehicle in the snow. After all, it’s only natural to panic when your car starts drifting in the snow. With FWD vehicles, however, oversteering is a big no. Instead of oversteering, try riding it out first. If need be, try turning very, very slowly.
While FWD vehicles fare well in snow, that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea to brave the harsh weather. If it’s snowing heavily, avoid driving and consider waiting for the storm to subside first.
No matter how careful you are, there’s only so much you can do against the elements. If you ever find your vehicle stuck in snow, don’t panic. Here are a few tips on how to get your FWD vehicle out of there:
Before anything else, you’ll have to clear the snow trapping your vehicle. Use a shovel if you have to, and wipe off any ice or snow around your wheels to improve traction. You can also clear the area behind the tire and maybe back up a little. Then when putting your vehicle in drive, you can get a little momentum to get over where you were stuck.
Traction aids help increase friction against slippery roads, and they can range from textile tire socks to automatic tire chains. Placing kitty litter and sand between the slippery surface and your tires can also work if you have any on hand.
Try rocking your vehicle by alternating your gears between reverse and drive. This back-and-forth movement should help you gain enough momentum to find lost traction and release your vehicle from where it’s trapped in the snow.
In an FWD vehicle, the drive axle shaft transfers torque to the front wheels of the vehicle. This means the front wheels receive all the power while the rear wheels don’t get any.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.