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TheMrGUnit t1_jd0qf3h wrote

Reply to comment by synaeryn12345 in Chevy Trax AWD in Maine by [deleted]

They absolutely do not.

I've driven many winters with only FWD, and a handful with AWD, with otherwise similar vehicles. The step from all-seasons to winter tires was mind blowing. The step from FWD to AWD was almost negligible. The only times it matters are when you're stuck in your driveway or screwing around.

Honestly, without the skill, most people get themselves into way more trouble with AWD because they THINK they have more traction than they really do. Stopping distance and cornering grip are exactly the same with FWD vs. AWD, but massively different with all-seasons vs. snows.

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synaeryn12345 t1_jd2v23w wrote

I meant the jump from 2WD to 4WD or AWD. Not AWD to 4WD

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Gripit__ripit t1_jd301f6 wrote

I've driven every type of drive with every type of tire in pretty much every level of snowy road. AWD/4WD is only useful for getting up steep driveways in serious conditions. I drove a rwd sedan with winters for year in the Bangor area and never once wasn't able to drive somewhere or makes it up any hills on actual roads.

As others have said it doesn't help you stop or turn which the cause of 99% of snowy accidents.

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synaeryn12345 t1_jd32v1c wrote

I guess we just have very different experiences. Because I have also driven a truck/car FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD and have very much had issues in downtown Augusta driving up the hill past the courthouse until I engage 4WD or AWD in almost every snowstorm.

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TheMrGUnit t1_jd3m8gl wrote

That's very specifically what I was talking about: FWD vs AWD.

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synaeryn12345 t1_jd41dnr wrote

So I write something. You rethink your own version of what I said, then make an argument based off your own comment. Am I missing something?

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TheMrGUnit t1_jd4bnag wrote

You wrote >4WD and AWD must factor higher than 10%

And I replied that they do not. 4WD/AWD have relatively miniscule impact on the driveability of a vehicle in snow compared to a similar vehicles equipped with only 2WD. 4WD and AWD are effectively the exact same, with only a handful of minor differences in regards to the function of the system, NOT the driveability of the vehicle.

The only thing that actually matters, unless you're stuck in a snowbank, is the tires you have on the vehicle. That's it.

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TheMrGUnit t1_jd4bz5m wrote

FWD = Front Wheel Drive

AWD = All Wheel Drive

RWD = Rear Wheel Drive

4WD = 4-Wheel Drive

These are common automotive industry acronyms. Nobody uses FWD to mean Four Wheel Drive.

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synaeryn12345 t1_jd4d87y wrote

Sir, I said 4WD and AWD make more than a 10% difference. I meant four wheel and all wheel as I typed them.

If you're saying you don't fishtail like a bitch in winter with front wheel drive you either live in downtown Portland or are a liar.

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TheMrGUnit t1_jd4rm31 wrote

I drove for more than a decade with a front wheel drive car and snow tires, living in central and norther Maine. I did not "fishtail like a bitch" unless I was explicitly trying to do so.

If you have never driven in snow with snow tires, you cannot possibly comprehend how much more grip they have compared to all-seasons. My current car is AWD, and the only thing it offers over FWD is more grip from a stop, and the ability to get more sideways. The tires are the difference maker.

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