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I live in Japan and have a 660cc, 2007 XG, auto Jimny and I have a question about going from 2wd to 4wd. It's now the snowy season here and often the snow on the main roads is completely compacted, but very slippery. Because the terrain is mostly flat, and because of the low speed I have to drive at, the tyres are not scrambling for traction, but occasionally on small inclines they do, and occasionally it can get a bit hairy.
Also, when I get to said slight incline in 2wd, I need to switch to 4wd to make it up the hill. Do I need to stop the car in order to do this? Or can I press the 4wd button on the move?
I'm just worried that when I set off to work on flat terrain in 4wd (knowing that I have a small hill en-route) that I'm doing some damage.
On a smooth surface going straight with little load and no wheelspin, you can Just push the button.
At high speed there is less use for the 4x4, but no harm in it being on as long the surface is snow. Do not use it on black asfalt as that will cause strain on the drivetrain.
I'm just wondering, how does the drivetrain differentiate between black asphalt and compacted snow that doesn't cause tyre slippage? Most of my journey to work is on the latter with only 10% dodgy roads inclines.
(To clarify: 90% is dodgy - very compacted snow with some parts extremely icy and slippery in 2wd, but if I drive slowly, I can make it without tyre slippage, however, any lack of concentration, I'm in the ditch. The other 10% is hilly and needs the 4wd option.)
2 wd is power to the rear wheels only. This mode is used on a sealed surface, ie concrete tar or asphalt.4 wd is used on slippery surfaces and that most definitely includes any form of ice and any form of snow whether it is compressed or otherwise. You do not wait for the Jimny to start slipping, you engage 4 wd so that power is distributed to all 4 wheels. This will help you to maintain traction. You will need to moderate the power you are using. Do not expect to be able to travel at your normal dry road speeds even when in 4 wd.
If you can, find a smooth level piece of ground covered in snow and experiment, firstly in 2 wd and then in 4 wd. Note how 4 wd gives you greater control but also note that 4 wd does not improve your braking.
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