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Originally Posted by chewy
Alot of it is people not knowing how to drive, I've followed a few 4x4's going down snow covered banks using their brakes and skidding rather than using a low gear and letting the engine do the braking.
Granted on ice it is a level playing field.
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That problem is not unique to 4x4s.
Actually I quite believe the tyres have a lot to do with it too. Probably most 4x4s on our roads never go off road and so have 'road' tyres on them. That's not unreasonably given the normal weather etc in most parts of the UK. Since these are worst conditions in many places for a long time its not really surprising if people are being cautious. Tyres are so crap on my FWD car that I invested in snow chains a few weeks ago. So far that investment has prevented significant further snow fall!
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Oh and 4x4 does help you stop, you use the gears.
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I'm not saying it won't help especially slowing on a hill etc - but in sudden stopping situations it would be interesting to do a direct comparison with 2wd and 4wd engaged on the same car. Slowing down and an 'emergency stop' are quite different.
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You weren't there! 2mph is ridiculous. If you can't drive it, walk!
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you're quite right I wasn't there - and I was really just being devils advocate; we can't all be perfect drivers and for many this will be a completely new phenomenon largely hyped up by the media who make us expect disaster! If you'll excuse the stereotype - I wonder how you would feel if Mrs Hightower (who I am sure is actually a full competent offroad 4x4 driver) was picking her way home slowly (to make sure you get the car back and don't take the piss for not being able to drive) and then otherpeople were "burning her up".
We've had it for a few weeks up here now - and what amazes me is that people still don't have a spade in the back of the car. A discussion in the office revealed that most people were driving (distances which were too far to walk if they got stuck) with no blanket/sleeping bag, no spade, no food, etc. Some of them didn't even have gloves, sensible footwear or a hat! Has the mobile phone made us all too complacent about help being immediately at hand?
