Bad Winter Cars Lead to Vehicle Donations Green Bay

Have you been perusing the internet for articles that tell you the “Best Cars for Winter” or “The Worst Cars to Drive in the Snow”? All of the advice can seem confusing, especially if you aren’t familiar with the different types of vehicles that are available out there. Instead of focusing on a specific vehicle, many experts look at key features, like drivetrain.

What Is a Drivetrain?

A drivetrain refers to the transmission and the process used to get power to the drive wheels in a vehicle. Not all vehicles have the same drivetrain. Newer cars are now being offered with all wheel drive options. The question is, overall, what is the best type of drivetrain for a vehicle to have when driving in snow?

4 Wheel Drive

If you own a truck, or even know anyone with a truck, you are probably aware of the ability that 4 wheel drive vehicles have to drive over rough terrain. Although many people often talk about how great 4 wheel drive is for traveling through the snow, many people don’t understand how it works.

4 wheel drive is predominantly found in trucks or SUV’s. Truck experts describe the operation of all 4 wheels as a “part-time” occurrence. In regular driving conditions, these vehicles function as rear wheel drive cars (all of the power is being directed to the back wheels). When 4 wheel drive is activated, power is split 50/50 between the front and back wheels. One especially helpful feature in 4 wheel drive vehicles is the 2 speed transfer case. This allows for low range gearing (designed for use in deep snow or off road driving).  

The ability to utilize all 4 wheels is very handy for slippery and uneven driving over snow and ice. The drawback is vehicle performance in normal conditions. Since vehicles with this type of drivetrain operate in rear wheel drive during regular driving conditions, there is a loss of front wheel grip. 4 wheel drive also adds a considerable amount of weight to a vehicle, affecting economy and the ability to maximize miles per gallon.

Drivers that frequently commute through areas that are subject to long winter's, heavy terrain, or a lot of off road driving generally find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Do you feel like your vehicle doesn’t have the appropriate drivetrain for the weather? If you are considering switching to another option, consider vehicle donations Green Bay for your old car or truck. Vehicle donations Green Bay are a great way to get rid of an old vehicle. When you donate a vehicle to charity, you may not even have to worry about dropping off your vehicle. Many organizations will almost always come and pick it up.