driving in snow? which is better

Is it better to drive in the snow with 4 high or 4 low?

Re: driving in snow? which is better

(Explorer 4-Door and Expedition)
The Control Trac® system includes electronic logic and a full-featured, 2-speed transfer case

For Explorer 4-Door, the system is activated using push buttons on the instrument panel with three selections: 4x4 AUTO, 4x4 HIGH and 4x4 LOW
For Expedition, the system is activated using a rotary switch on the instrument panel with three positions: A4WD (four-wheel drive auto), 4H (four-wheel drive high), and 4L (four-wheel drive low)
The 4x4 AUTO (or A4WD) mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to the rear axle, and to the front axle as required for increased traction. This mode is appropriate for any driving, whether on dry pavement or in adverse conditions; though for extreme winter weather or off-road driving, a customer may choose to switch to 4x4 HIGH (4H) or 4x4 LOW (4L)
The 4x4 HIGH (4H) mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to both axles. It is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow and ice (where no pavement remains uncovered), and shallow sand. 4x4 HIGH should never be used on dry pavement, as the vehicle will bind when going around corners
The 4x4 LOW (4L) mode supplies four-wheel drive with full power to both axles and includes a lower gear ratio for low speeds. It is only intended for off-road applications that require extra power including deep sand, steep grades, and when pulling a boat and trailer out of water. 4x4 LOW should never be used on dry pavement, as the vehicle will bind when going around corners
Only the Explorer 4-Door automatic models can be retrofitted with a Neutral Tow Kit through a Ford dealer to allow the transfer case to be shifted to Neutral. This permits the vehicle to be flat towed for extended distances (such as behind a motor home) without risking damage to the automatic transmission. The Expedition does not have this capability


eta: Here is the factory explanation

Message edited 2/26/2007 8:38:11 AM.

Re: driving in snow? which is better

Usually, 4 low is for low-speed towing, plowing or off-roading. In my pickup, I can't go over about 30 in 4-low. 4 High can usually go at highway speeds.

Re: driving in snow? which is better

When the plows come and make a huge pile in front of my driveway, I need 4Low to get over it and out of my driveway! With snow covered roads, I use either 4H or Auto.

Re: driving in snow? which is better

if there are snow packed roads, I use 4-High...If the roads are somewhat icy & always changing (like this morning) I used 4-Auto

Re: driving in snow? which is better

4x4 high...

low is for water

Re: driving in snow? which is better

I used to use 4 wheel low when the roads weren't plowed yet- and you have to go really slow

and 4 wheel high every other time

now my car is all wheel drive- so I don't have to think about it anymore

Re: driving in snow? which is better

Re: driving in snow? which is better

No expert here, but I use 4-high in the snow. When I drive on the beach (OK the one time I drove on the beach ) I used 4-low to get out of the soft stuff.

Re: driving in snow? which is better