Glendale Nissan Official Blog
Winter survival guide: Which drivetrain is best?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs, Tips & Tricks on Friday, December 15th, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive better for winter driving?
If your go-to segment is the might pickup truck, you likely already know that 4×4 is ideal when a blizzard hits us here in Illinois. A truck isn’t the best daily driver year-round, however, which is why so many of us still drive cars. Naturally, the next best option is all-wheel drive, which typically works as an FWD vehicle except in cases where traction is lost. Let’s say you have to forego this option as well: Is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive better for winter driving?
How to keep your vehicle on the road when it’s snowy outside
There’s a reason so many automakers have made the front-wheel drive option a standard. When it comes to snowy conditions, front-wheel drive vehicles fare much better than rear-wheel drive. Why is that?
The most obvious reason that FWD is better in snow is that the engine is typically in the front. This puts all the weight on the wheels that are receiving power. To combat this in RWD vehicles, many drivers purchase sandbags or bags of salt to throw in the trunk and add some weight. Without added weight, rear-wheel drive vehicles are more prone to fishtailing, especially when taking a turn too fast.
Read More: Benefits of Nissan Intuitive AWD
Why else might you spin out in a rear-wheel drive vehicle? For the most part, you don’t find RWD in everyday economy models. Instead, the system is typically reserved for performance vehicles like the 2018 Nissan 370Z. As much as we love the model, is it the best choice for winter driving? Maybe not, especially if you have summer tires instead of all-season or winter options.
Does this mean you shouldn’t drive a rear-wheel in the snow? Not exactly. Since 2012, modern vehicles have had standard stability control, which makes it difficult to fishtail compared to driving older models. Like with any other vehicle, the key is in taking your time when the roads are slick, especially when it comes to taking turns.
Do you have any other questions about driving safety? Leave us a comment here at the Glendale Nissan Blog.
