Use caution with your vehicles four wheel drive
June 12, 2008 · Updated 1:10 PM
When driving on the highway do not drive with your vehicle in four wheel drive.
When your vehicle is in four wheel drive all the wheels are turning at the same speed.
When you come to a corner or a turn in the road you can go into a spin if the four wheel drive is engaged. Because all wheels are turning at the same speed and the turning radius is smaller for the wheels on the inside of the turn, you can be pushed into a skid.
The wheels on the inside of the turn would normally turn at a slower rate than the wheels on the outside of the turning radius.
To be safe only use four wheel drive when snow is piling up in front of your tires.
If you are stuck or moving slowly you can engage your four wheel drive and drive safely.
On ice covered highways, four wheel drive is not your best option.
We must always use caution when driving in poor weather conditions.
Slow down and drive accordingly.
Always wear your seat belt and drive in a safe and courteous manner.
Wendy MacKenzie is owner/instructor of Above & Beyond Driver Training, Inc. in Kamloops. She can be contacted at (250) 819-4414.
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