Which Mode Should the Land Cruiser Use in Snow?
2 Answers
The Land Cruiser should use four-wheel drive mode in snow. Below is a related introduction to four-wheel drive modes: 1. Function: Four-wheel drive refers to a driving form where the vehicle maintains four-wheel drive throughout the entire driving process. The engine's output torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels at a fixed ratio. This driving mode ensures excellent off-road and handling performance at all times, but it cannot adjust torque distribution based on road conditions and consumes more fuel. 2. Classification: (1) Part-time four-wheel drive: Part-time four-wheel drive can be simply understood as a four-wheel drive system where the driver can manually switch between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive modes based on different road conditions. Some systems use a transfer case lever, while others use electronic buttons or knobs. (2) On-demand four-wheel drive: On-demand four-wheel drive automatically switches between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive modes based on the vehicle's driving conditions, without requiring manual operation. (3) Full-time four-wheel drive: Full-time four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car can individually provide driving force at all times. During driving, the vehicle maintains a four-wheel drive form, with the engine's output torque distributed to the front and rear wheels at a certain ratio, offering excellent off-road capability and handling.
I've been driving a Land Cruiser for over a decade, often on snowy roads in northern regions, and I genuinely recommend switching to 4H (High-Speed Four-Wheel Drive) mode in snowy conditions. This mode evenly distributes power to all four wheels, making the vehicle more stable and preventing skidding. Keep your speed under 40 km/h, accelerate gently using lower gears, and avoid slamming the gas pedal or braking abruptly. If the snow is particularly deep—say, half a wheel's height—you can try 4L (Low-Speed Four-Wheel Drive) mode, though it's better suited for off-roading or climbing hills and will consume more fuel on flat snowy roads. Always check your tires; switching to winter tires is the best move, as they significantly reduce braking distance. Also, keep the stability control system on and avoid sharp turns. Once in Harbin, during heavy snowfall that made the road nearly invisible, these settings got me home safely. Regular maintenance is key—changing the oil and brake fluid in winter helps prevent unexpected issues.
