Conditions for 4x4

I've read many a post on here about when 4x4 could and should be engaged, and most seem to say don't use it on tarmac. So what happens when, like today, its snowing and sleeting, theres flood water and a bit of slush around - all on a tarmac road, and a rearwheel drive vehicle doesn't handle particuarly well - can I use 4x4 on a 'just in case' basis?

Or do I need to wait until there's a substantial covering of snow on the road and you can't see the tarmac?

And what about on ice, or where you think black ice might be present, like on one particular bridge along the road from us?

And one last one, what about if I pull off the road with one set of wheels and it's boggy and soggy, is it ok to slip it into 4x4 to get back on the road?

I don't want to wreck my 4x4 bits but equally, what's the point of having one if you can't use it!

Ta guys

Super question. I'll look forward to the replies too.

Hi ya, this was asked yesterday, see this thread it should cover most questions :wink:

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=38371

Hi fronteragirl, you have the benefit of being in a B series so you can switch to 4H at the press of a button whilst moving. So the way it goes is like this.....

drive in normal 2wd on the tarmac, if the car starts to loose traction, you can quickly press the 4wd button on the dash and the front diff will lock in. as soon as you are back on non slippy stuff, take it back out of 4wd. As for having one set of wheels on the verge, 4wd is ok to use as the wheels can slip if need be.

Going in a perfectly straight line in 4wd on dry tarmac will not cause any problems, its only when you tutn the steering as the front wheels will actually travel further believe it or not and will wind up the transfer box

Alrighty, thanks for info Bobbinsjob, that sort of clears it up, and ta for other post, didn't see that one. I tell ye, I go away for a few days and come back and there's so much to read!

sorry

Think you may be right there Gregster but not 100% sure. I tend to back off the gas as a natural instinct, sort of a reaction to sucking up the seat covers :lol:

So being as I only ever owned an A series, to disengage 4 wheel drive on a B do you not have to reverse a few feet? Just asking whilst it current for when I do buy another Fronty lol

No reversing in the B series

Nope you can do the 4wd on the b driving normally (had to use it today as the road was snowy and icey). Just push it to engage and push to disengage. quite handy really. However I always lift off if I'm changing and never switch while the wheels are spinning. If traction is that bad then it would be on before spinning anyway.

Cheers

Alan

They are on a vacuum system, so they unlock automatically for you, very posh they are

It uses actuators and solenoids.

This thread should give you a good insight into how they work, thankfully most only have problems due to perished vac pipes.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=37737

There is a good diagram on the thread explaining the system.