All–Wheel Drive Vehicles
All–wheel drive is an important safety feature, especially when driving in icy, snowy, or wet conditions. A decade ago, all–wheel drive or four–wheel drive was largely found only in SUVs and trucks. Today, more makes than ever before have standard or optional all–wheel drive vehicles. From Audi to Suzuki to Ford to Lamborghini, there are more than fifty models (including sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, and sports cars) that offer all–wheel drive.
Previously, all–wheel drive vehicles got much worse gas mileage than front or rear wheel drive models. However, with increasingly fuel–efficient engines and lighter unibody construction, this is no longer the case. Some compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson get near 30–mpg highway even with all–wheel drive. Hybrid engines allow even midsize SUVs to get between 25–mpg and 30–mpg.
All–wheel drive is especially handy and useful in the snow. It provides better traction, better handling and grip keeping you safer in treacherous conditions. For example, with all–wheel drive, if the front end of your vehicle begins to slide, the rear wheels can correct your path. With a front–wheel drive vehicle, this would not be the case, as the car uses only the forward wheels for propulsion. Rear–wheel drive vehicles tend to be the worst in the snow. Most all–wheel drive models offer optional roof racks to affix skis or snowboards.
Nevertheless, all–wheel drive does not mean that drivers should not use extreme caution in winter driving conditions. Each winter, many all–wheel drive vehicles end up sliding off the road or in collisions due to speed too fast for the conditions. All–wheel drive is no substitute for defensive, safe driving. In particularly snowy, icy conditions, drivers should still use chains or other traction devices on their all–wheel drive vehicles for maximum capability and safety.
Driving safely helps lower your car insurance rates. Enter your zip code above to get a free online car insurance quote and you could save hundreds off your current rates.
