Icy highway: 4wd vs. 2wd w/traction control (VSC)?
Which would be better for driving on a icy highway, I'm talking solid ice-covered, not snow covered or deep snow. Intstincts tell me 4wd....but I've been in situations before where the VSC kicked in the vehicle mainted itself well. This was in town while rounding a snow-covered street corner.
So the other night...we are driving on an icy interstate 94 (In North Dakota), and I wondered if I might have been better off in 2wd with VSC on.
Any opinions on this?
EDIT: 2007 Toyota Tundra
Last edited by dunderhead : 02-08-2010 at 11:05 AM.
4WD is better for that situation especially when it comes to on/off ramps and turning. with 4WD engaged on a slippery ice surface the front wheels will pull the vehicle around the turn. As apposed to 2WD where unless the tires have something to grip will just plow straight through. AND of course lower speed is always desirable.
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2009 Tundra CrewMax 5.7L 4x4 SR5 TRD in Pyrite Mica
Tundra owner since May '09
Which would be better for driving on a icy highway, I'm talking solid ice-covered, not snow covered or deep snow. Intstincts tell me 4wd....but I've been in situations before where the VSC kicked in the vehicle mainted itself well. This was in town while rounding a snow-covered street corner.
So the other night...we are driving on an icy interstate 94 (In North Dakota), and I wondered if I might have been better off in 2wd with VSC on.
Any opinions on this?
EDIT: 2007 Toyota Tundra
What do you mean VSC or 4WD?
When you are in 4WD Hi, the VSC is still on. It is only when you are in 4WD Lo, the VSC kicks off.
Please explain...
Thanks!
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Michael
2010 Tundra - 4x4 - Off Road - 5.7 Crewmax
3" level kit
American Racing 18" wheels
Toyo Open Country A/T
Firestone Ride Rite Level Bags.
Line-X Bed
Apparently the traction control/VSC behaviour changed for the 2008 models, where the early 2007s did not have traction control/VSC in 4x4 mode but all of the recent models seem to have traction control on for all modes. Which is how it should work, traction and stability control should complement 4x4, not replace it.
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2009 Alpine White 4x2 Regular Cab SR5 Long Bed 5.7 6AT - Details from VIN
On my truck with it in 4wd hi the vsc turns off allowing me to spin the wheels all i want but if i hang it out sideways way to much it kicks back in. Anyone else?
On my truck with it in 4wd hi the vsc turns off allowing me to spin the wheels all i want but if i hang it out sideways way to much it kicks back in. Anyone else?
Seems to me if you are on a sheet of ice 4WD and/or VSC isn't really going to matter because the truck has nothing to grab. Low speed is probably your only hope.
I think there are two different forces at work here. There is the traction control element but their is also a second function which is the stability control. Traction control obviously controls wheel slip. You can turn this off on the 07's (i can't speak for the other years). This allows you to spin the wheels all you want. However, when you start to fish tale or loose control the stability function takes over and stops the wheel slip. This can't be turned off. If you put your truck in 4wd and then try doing a doughnut the stability control will prevent you from doing it. Its still there. The traction control has been turned off and thats it. Is this what you guys are experiencing too? Or am I wrong?
When you are in 4WD Hi, the VSC is still on. It is only when you are in 4WD Lo, the VSC kicks off.
Please explain...
Thanks!
He has an 07 which means that VSC is off by default in 4WD.
09's and up have VSC on by default in 4WD.
The only change from the 07 and 08 models is that in 2WD the 08's have the ability to turn off VSC while in ALSD mode.
