Winter Driving Tip: Why 4-Wheel Drive Won’t Save You on Ice
This week’s tip isn’t strictly about Jaguars, but it’s an important reminder for anyone driving in snow or icy conditions. After last week’s snowfall, I saw three SUVs rolled over within two miles of my neighborhood—all 4-wheel drive. And I nearly got hit by another one sliding through an intersection.
Let’s clear up a dangerous misconception: 4-wheel drive (4WD) doesn’t make you invincible in winter.
Yes, 4WD helps you get moving in slippery conditions, like climbing a snowy driveway or crawling out of a snowbank. But once you’re above about 15 mph, that advantage nearly disappears. 4WD won’t help you stop faster, won’t improve your steering, and won’t keep you from skidding on ice.
In fact, many ice-related crashes involve 4WD vehicles—often far more than their share of total traffic. The reason? Overconfidence. Too many drivers assume that because their SUV can power through snow, it will handle like it’s on dry pavement. It won’t.
When I was in the military, part of my job was teaching 4WD and off-road driving. The biggest myth I had to correct was that 4WD equals control. It doesn’t. It only helps you maintain traction at low speeds. Beyond 15 mph, you’re just as likely to slide as anyone else—except now you’re often going faster.
So here’s the bottom line:
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Use 4WD to get going, not to drive fast.
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Slow down early—you’ll need more distance to stop.
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Don’t trust technology over physics. Ice always wins.
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And if you’re not driving a 4WD vehicle: keep your distance—those drivers might not realize their limits until it’s too late.
Drive smart, stay alert, and respect the road conditions. Your 4WD might help you move, but it won’t help you stop.
