2XS
15-01-11, 08:21 AM
stolen from len of the nsjc sitte
http://autos.ca.msn.com/specials/winter-....mentid=23580378
Winter off-roading for beginners
Have fun and build confidence out in the snow
These days, four-wheel-drive vehicles are as common as crabgrass since weed-killer has been outlawed. Consider that GM alone sells more than a quarter-million of such a year in Canada. Yet, even though so many people own these vehicles, few owners will take them off-road. Out of necessity, sure. But what about for fun? It's too bad more people don't, because they're missing out on a chance to improve their driving skills and boost their confidence.
Really? Yes. For the record, when we're talking about off-road, it refers to any time you leave the pavement - not just traversing across virgin fields. Consider that only a tiny fraction of Canada is considered urban and that we're known for having some of the nastiest weather around. Sooner or later, you're destined to find yourself in a situation where off-roading skills are an asset, even if it is just an unplowed parking lot.
At this point in time, you might be saying, "I know nothing about four-wheel drive or off-roading." Let's start with the basics then.
Re-learning four-wheel drive
In all vehicles, power is transferred from the engine to the road via a differential, which further splits power between the left and the right wheels. On FWD vehicles, this differential is located on the front axle, and on RWD vehicles it's on the back axle. All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles have differentials on both their axles.
In normal driving conditions, power flows from the differential to both left and right wheels, but as soon as there is an imbalance in grip - due to weather or terrain changes - suddenly, the vehicle can become one-wheel drive. The reason for this is because most vehicles feature an open-type differential. Much like electricity, power flows through the path of least resistance, namely the wheel that's slipping! This is not good. A vehicle with four-wheel drive and two open differentials will thus have two wheels receiving power, should there be a traction imbalance between the left and right side wheels at both the front and back of the vehicle.
Now, some vehicles have differentials that lock the power split between the left and right wheels of that particular axle, preventing the power from being wasted. This is most commonly a rear locking differential, which can be found in many pickup trucks and SUVs. In this case, you have three wheels receiving power. This is good. However, the best layout is one which includes a front locking differential. Now, power goes to all four wheels, even in the most slippery conditions.
It's good to know what system you own - the more wheels receiving power you have, the more power can be put to the ground. However even the cheapest open-differential four-wheel drive system is twice as good as the alternative.
However let's explore one popular myth about 4WD right off the bat ...
Myth: With 4WD you'll never get stuck
Fact: Until you own a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll never really know what "stuck" is. True, you'll be able to successfully navigate rough terrain with ease, but these systems are also great at digging holes. If the inexperienced driver uses too much throttle, eventually the ruts will become so deep that the front and rear axles will end up touching the ground. How do you know if you've done this? If the tow truck operator pulls out his cell phone and books a Caribbean holiday as he's chaining you up, know you're in for quite the bill.
Instead, what 4WD does is offer you more traction on snow, ice, or any slippery surface to pull the vehicle forward in a reasonably straight line over obstacles like piled snow. That's what you can expect. As to what you must do while at the wheel, here are the three top skills to practice.
Fast as necessary, but not necessarily fast
Speed isn't your friend off-road, as it often lands you in places you don't want to be. Slow, deliberate, gentle steering, throttle and braking are exercises to practice. This not only moves you steadily through the snow or around obstacles but also gives you time to assess and react to the changing conditions.
Feel your way
Pay attention to the feedback the vehicle is giving you, how hard or soft the terrain is, and how much traction the tires have. Using your vision, steer clear of debris and move the vehicle to where you think traction is best. Remember physics - keep momentum, and don't stop uphill or in the middle of a ditch. If you want to stop, look ahead for a safe stopping spot and push through until you reach it.
Use all the features of your 4WD system as needed
Don't start off in 4WD with your differentials locked; otherwise you'll have nothing left in your arsenal if things go wrong. Use the highest gear and the lightest setting possible, until you need more.
So where do you gain this sort of experience? Hey, this is Canada. Depending on how much you'd like to off-road simply drive some countryside back roads, or try getting involved in one of many 4WD clubs across the country.
But the key is practise. What applied to you as a kid still stands true today; if you want to get good at something, practice. And winter is a good time to do just that.
A few helpful hints
Snow is both a friend and enemy, depending on the situation. For instance, if you start sliding on sheer ice, steering alongside and into a snow bank can slow your vehicle, saving your bacon. On the other hand, be aware that in rural areas, snowplows use "wings" to push snow far off into ditches. These plows can create what appears to be a hard surface at the edge of the road, when in fact the surface is partly in the ditch. If you get too close to this, you risk breaking through and getting stuck.
In general stay off of ice-covered water, but specifically any ice where the water is moving quickly as it creates uneven ice conditions. Snow can cushion and offer traction but it also hides hazards, drive with all your senses, cautiously.
Last, but not least, experience will teach you that sometimes the best direction is reverse - be prudent, always remember your CAA card Cody and have fun.
http://autos.ca.msn.com/specials/winter-....mentid=23580378
Winter off-roading for beginners
Have fun and build confidence out in the snow
These days, four-wheel-drive vehicles are as common as crabgrass since weed-killer has been outlawed. Consider that GM alone sells more than a quarter-million of such a year in Canada. Yet, even though so many people own these vehicles, few owners will take them off-road. Out of necessity, sure. But what about for fun? It's too bad more people don't, because they're missing out on a chance to improve their driving skills and boost their confidence.
Really? Yes. For the record, when we're talking about off-road, it refers to any time you leave the pavement - not just traversing across virgin fields. Consider that only a tiny fraction of Canada is considered urban and that we're known for having some of the nastiest weather around. Sooner or later, you're destined to find yourself in a situation where off-roading skills are an asset, even if it is just an unplowed parking lot.
At this point in time, you might be saying, "I know nothing about four-wheel drive or off-roading." Let's start with the basics then.
Re-learning four-wheel drive
In all vehicles, power is transferred from the engine to the road via a differential, which further splits power between the left and the right wheels. On FWD vehicles, this differential is located on the front axle, and on RWD vehicles it's on the back axle. All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles have differentials on both their axles.
In normal driving conditions, power flows from the differential to both left and right wheels, but as soon as there is an imbalance in grip - due to weather or terrain changes - suddenly, the vehicle can become one-wheel drive. The reason for this is because most vehicles feature an open-type differential. Much like electricity, power flows through the path of least resistance, namely the wheel that's slipping! This is not good. A vehicle with four-wheel drive and two open differentials will thus have two wheels receiving power, should there be a traction imbalance between the left and right side wheels at both the front and back of the vehicle.
Now, some vehicles have differentials that lock the power split between the left and right wheels of that particular axle, preventing the power from being wasted. This is most commonly a rear locking differential, which can be found in many pickup trucks and SUVs. In this case, you have three wheels receiving power. This is good. However, the best layout is one which includes a front locking differential. Now, power goes to all four wheels, even in the most slippery conditions.
It's good to know what system you own - the more wheels receiving power you have, the more power can be put to the ground. However even the cheapest open-differential four-wheel drive system is twice as good as the alternative.
However let's explore one popular myth about 4WD right off the bat ...
Myth: With 4WD you'll never get stuck
Fact: Until you own a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll never really know what "stuck" is. True, you'll be able to successfully navigate rough terrain with ease, but these systems are also great at digging holes. If the inexperienced driver uses too much throttle, eventually the ruts will become so deep that the front and rear axles will end up touching the ground. How do you know if you've done this? If the tow truck operator pulls out his cell phone and books a Caribbean holiday as he's chaining you up, know you're in for quite the bill.
Instead, what 4WD does is offer you more traction on snow, ice, or any slippery surface to pull the vehicle forward in a reasonably straight line over obstacles like piled snow. That's what you can expect. As to what you must do while at the wheel, here are the three top skills to practice.
Fast as necessary, but not necessarily fast
Speed isn't your friend off-road, as it often lands you in places you don't want to be. Slow, deliberate, gentle steering, throttle and braking are exercises to practice. This not only moves you steadily through the snow or around obstacles but also gives you time to assess and react to the changing conditions.
Feel your way
Pay attention to the feedback the vehicle is giving you, how hard or soft the terrain is, and how much traction the tires have. Using your vision, steer clear of debris and move the vehicle to where you think traction is best. Remember physics - keep momentum, and don't stop uphill or in the middle of a ditch. If you want to stop, look ahead for a safe stopping spot and push through until you reach it.
Use all the features of your 4WD system as needed
Don't start off in 4WD with your differentials locked; otherwise you'll have nothing left in your arsenal if things go wrong. Use the highest gear and the lightest setting possible, until you need more.
So where do you gain this sort of experience? Hey, this is Canada. Depending on how much you'd like to off-road simply drive some countryside back roads, or try getting involved in one of many 4WD clubs across the country.
But the key is practise. What applied to you as a kid still stands true today; if you want to get good at something, practice. And winter is a good time to do just that.
A few helpful hints
Snow is both a friend and enemy, depending on the situation. For instance, if you start sliding on sheer ice, steering alongside and into a snow bank can slow your vehicle, saving your bacon. On the other hand, be aware that in rural areas, snowplows use "wings" to push snow far off into ditches. These plows can create what appears to be a hard surface at the edge of the road, when in fact the surface is partly in the ditch. If you get too close to this, you risk breaking through and getting stuck.
In general stay off of ice-covered water, but specifically any ice where the water is moving quickly as it creates uneven ice conditions. Snow can cushion and offer traction but it also hides hazards, drive with all your senses, cautiously.
Last, but not least, experience will teach you that sometimes the best direction is reverse - be prudent, always remember your CAA card Cody and have fun.