[tylerotoole]

if im in my 4wd xj in the snow and i start to lose control of the car what is the best thing to do?

and what about if im in 2wd and i lose control, would it make sense to throw on the 4wd or just drop it in a lower gear?

[jsmiddleton4]

My first suggestion is to let us know what roads and routes you normally use.

[1996BlackXJ]

If you're in 2wd, and not going really fast (less than 50) you can throw it into 4x4. Pump the brakes, or lightly pump the throttle (depending on if you want to stop or if you want to avoid a ditch) Don't "punch it" or slam on the brakes.....and try your best not to over correct.

It's hard to explain with words....next snow storm go practice in a large parking lot.

[tylerotoole]

i live on a dirt road, however to travel anywhere i must drive on a highway

[tylerotoole]

Originally Posted by 1996BlackXJ

If you're in 2wd, and not going really fast (less than 50) you can throw it into 4x4. Pump the brakes, or lightly pump the throttle (depending on if you want to stop or if you want to avoid a ditch) Don't "punch it" or slam on the brakes.....and try your best not to over correct.

It's hard to explain with words....next snow storm go practice in a large parking lot.

i definatley want to practice too, but the jeep tips fairly easily so i dont know if i want to take the chance...

[jsmiddleton4]

"i must drive on a highway"

But which one, what direction are you usually headed and what time of day are you usually on this road without the confidence to handle your vehicle?

[mudhound32]

I had an XJ for a long time and I found the best thing to do if you start loosing control is to first let off the gas and don't panic. If you remember these 2 things oftentimes you will straighten right out if your in 4 wheel drive. If you don't straighten out then start steering into the direction your sliding into, but as someone else mentioned don't oversteer. If your in 2 wheel drive you aren't going to have time to think about throwing it into 4 wheel drive. You should gain as much experience handling a rear wheel drive vehicle so you know how the XJ will react in 2 wheel drive if you start loosing control.

[Dannn]

go practice one night. i do every winter, all winter long. you wont tip it unless you hit a dry spot sideways at a considerable speed.

[KINGJB]

yes, the best way to learn how to control a vehicle when losing control in winter is to practice. After a bit you learn how it will behave and how to either fix it or keep the slide (if you so desire )

[jsmiddleton4]

"I hit a dry spot sideways"

I dare say that could be a great Country Western song.

[ehall]

First of all, don't drive on ice/snow in part-time 4wd unless you are stuck and need to free yourself. Driving around with the front and rear driveshafts locked will force one of the tires to break surface contact, just like it does on dry pavement, but when you are in the ice/snow its super easy to break free and hard to get your traction back. Really if you don't have a 242 stick to 2WD unless you're stuck

[GregB_00XJ]

Originally Posted by jsmiddleton4

"I hit a dry spot sideways"

I dare say that could be a great Country Western song.

Quote of the day!

Practice makes perfect they say, and it is true. In 4x4 with good tires I found it really hard to get my XJ all squirrely in the snow unless I was trying. Also, keep the speed to a reasonable level for the conditions. I like to drive fast but in snow and ice, I am cautious over fast.

Jeep XJ's do not tip over any more or less (statistically speaking) than most/any other SUV. Trackers/Sami's, Jimmy's, Bronco's, Exploders, Jeeps (of all flavors) etc are all susceptible to their higher center of gravity if pushed beyond their limits. A lifted jeep is more likely to flip, but again... it depends on driver/conditions/tires etc.

I say practice, and keep it slow in the snow. Have fun out there... and IMHO in the sketchy snow or slippery conditions, you should be in 4x4 High unless Low is required. Why tempt fate in 2WD, you know you are going to get it sideways at some point?

[1996BlackXJ]

FWIW, you really have to be pushing it to flip a Jeep. Or if you did something really stupid.

A parking lot that is covered with snow is fine....you'd have to hit the curb going sideways at 20mph+ to roll it. Just stay in the middle, get up to 25 mph, then start trying to turn....learn how the brakes react and how the gas only makes you continue straight.

[tclaremont]

Alll rights reserved by me....



I spent my life, building up my Jeep
When I started out, it was just a heap

With my spare cash I made it right
From the tires on up every bolt was tight

Finally one night, the time had come
Little did I know, that I was so dumb

Rounding that first turn, holding too much speed,
....I hit a dry spot sideways

I saw snow, they sky, and then more snow
Flippping upside down, how was I to know?
When the dust had cleared, the police report did show
"That dumb sum ***** hit a dry spot sideways"

Hit a dry spot sideways

Totaled the dang jeep

Hit a dry spot sideways

[jsmiddleton4]

I like it. Clearly creative. Or you had too much caffiene this morning.

But i was thinking more like this...
_______________________
My heart is broken because she left me
Tears, heartache, life is over
Wah wah wah wah
My dog even left me
I drank a bottle of Jim Beam
Puked in my boots
I hit a dry spot sideways.....
__________________________

You know, country western song. The kind you play backwards and your dog comes back, girl friend comes back, you get your job back, etc.

Although mine borders on a haiku.