With RWD, the vehicle's front wheels steer while the rear wheels transmit power to the ground. This means that RWD generally makes for a more uniform distribution of weight as well as improved performance in lower-risk driving circumstances that don't involve rain, snow or ice.
Simply put, a FWD vehicle pulls the car forward from its front two wheels, which greatly reduces the probability of oversteering or the rear of the vehicle slipping or sliding when making sharp turns, whereas RWD pushes it from the back two wheels.
FWD cars carry more of their weight up in the front, which allows for better handling in snow and ice but makes for poorer performance in general. That's because the front wheels are tasked with both powering and maneuvering the vehicle, which isn't ideal for traveling at increased speeds or taking sharp turns without having to slow down significantly.
That's why most sports cars and certain SUVs are equipped with rear-wheel-drive. If you reside in a cold region that receives severe snowfall, the safest choice will be AWD paired with appropriate winter tires.
While it isn't the ideal choice for driving in thicker snow in more rural settings, it'll save you money in the long run. This is because AWD vehicles are not only generally priced higher to begin with, they consume more gasoline because of the added weight of the AWD system. One major benefit of front-wheel-drive is that the lighter drivetrain significantly minimizes the vehicle's overall weight as well as streamlines its assembly process on the production line, which in turns lower manufacturing costs, too.
If you're the typical everyday commuter who lives in an area that only sees mild snow and ice each year, generally speaking, FWD is an OK option. Given the aforementioned, driving on snow and ice tends to be more difficult for vehicles equipped with rear-wheel drive. RWD cars usually carry less weight on their driving wheels than their FWD and AWD counterparts vehicles, which means they will have more trouble accelerating on ice.
This, in turn, increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle's rear. If you like to get playful behind the wheel from time to time or live in a place where the winters aren't so intense, a RWD vehicle is definitely an option that you can consider. Just keep in mind that if and when it does snow, the car's performance and overall safety will be significantly reduced.
In the snow, a front-wheel-drive vehicle is far superior to a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Beyond that initial price tag, FWD tend to have a better fuel economy rating than that of heavier drive train options like AWD, or 4WD Four-Wheel Drive , allowing you to save a few more bucks when out on the road this winter.
Overall, vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive provide better traction than vehicles equipped with a rear-wheel drive option due to much of the weight being in the front the car where the power also is. If space is of concern to you, vehicles with FWD have more room for rear-seats and trunk space due to the drive shaft not extending to the rear of the car. Cons of FWD.
On average, vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive see a shorter lifespan of their front tires due to the additional weight, handling of steering forces and much of the braking forces the tires take on.
With its many practical advantages, FWD does have several performance disadvantages. One of those being torque steering. This occurs when unequal power is applied to one of the front wheels causes the vehicle to pull to one side or the other under heavy acceleration. When it comes to winter driving, the single best step you can take to increase your safety on the road is to install four high quality winter tires.
With tread blocks designed to dig into the snow and spit it back out, they are ideal for navigating accumulated snow. In addition, snow tires provide valuable traction that will help you stay in control of your vehicle when driving on ice.
Even if you put winter tires to good use, you may wonder what other steps you can take to increase your winter driving safety. None of these systems will help you stop on ice or provide the overall benefits of winter tires, but each system has pros and cons worth considering.
For the most part, drivers who prefer rear-wheel drive appreciate that it can handle more torque. However, this system is not very effective when snow or ice are present. What it really comes down to for four-wheel drive to truly work is distribution of power, or torque, to all four wheels.
A full-fledged 4WD vehicle has front and rear differentials and a transfer case to provide power evenly to all four wheels. The driver must manually select 4WD high or low range. Rear-wheel, front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive will not help your car stop better on ice or snowy, slick roads. They all can get you going, some better than others — but none of them offer any advantages over the others when it comes to slowing or stopping your vehicle.
In fact, all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are involved in more accidents in icy, snowy weather than smaller, two-wheel front or rear-wheel drive cars. People think they are unstoppable in a big SUV with four-wheel drive. And they require longer stopping distances even on dry pavement.
Winter tires are made of a softer rubber than all-season tires. They are more pliable in colder temperatures and provide better continuous traction when cold. Look for a three peak mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall to tell if the tire is rated for winter and meets required snow testing performance standards. It will get you through most common winter weather conditions, and might even surprise you depending on make and model.
AWD and 4WD are heavy, less efficient, cost more to buy and maintain, and are more difficult to repair. City dweller? Not so much. Mountain commute, harsh winters and severe driving conditions? Need for towing, hauling, and plowing?
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