Winter is a time to enjoy the holidays and memorable outings with family and friends. It’s also, sadly, a time for more accidents due to slippery roads and snow. AWD vehicles are an excellent choice for winter conditions. As your trusted car dealership in Madison, WI, we’d like to tell you more about their advantages when you need to drive in winter.
The Advantages of AWD in Winter
How Does AWD Work?
AWD (all-wheel drive) is very different from FWD (front-wheel drive) and RWD (rear-wheel drive) drivetrains. FWD and RWD vehicles are controlled by two wheels, the front wheels in an FWD and the rear wheels in an RWD. Under normal driving conditions, there’s no significant difference between the two drivetrains.
An AWD drivetrain provides different levels of power to all four wheels. If one of the wheels is struggling on ice or mud, the transmission computer transfers extra power to the other three wheels to help get you moving again. If you regularly drive through the winter, invest in an AWD by checking out our used cars for sale in Madison, WI.
Advantages of AWD
The AWD transmission scores over FWD and RWD in winter conditions as its ability to shift power automatically allows you to drive safely and comfortably. Sensors in the wheels report to your car’s computer, which then adjusts the pressure and power of the wheels. In winter, poor driving conditions can mean you must react quickly, and an AWD does this for you.
These are two ways an AWD drivetrain can make driving easier and less stressful this winter:
Safer on Slippery Surfaces
Snow, mud, and ice are slippery, particularly if traveling over rough terrain. Even with good snow tires, FWD and RWD vehicles are at a disadvantage as they only have two wheels to move and grip the surface. The other two wheels on FWD and RWD just spin. An AWD drivetrain compensates for the surface by providing traction with all four wheels.
No Spinning on a Corner
When you corner and the road is covered in snow or ice, an FWD or RWD vehicle has only two wheels to keep you moving. If those wheels lose traction, you’ll start to spin. An AWD from our used cars and trucks for sale will get you safely around that corner as all four wheels are pushing you ahead.
Now you know more about AWD, come in and see our fantastic range of vehicles today at Zimbrick Automotive.
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