4X4 BASICS: When should I engage 4WD (and when not to)?
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QUESTION
Hi John,
I follow you on YouTube, rarely missing an episode. Your engineering proficiency is more than evident.
I am new to four-wheel drive but I'm not bearded, wear a blue singlet, planning a trip to Dingo Piss Creek or wish to modify my new four-wheel drive in any way.
I love driving to the country and often this involves dirt roads. I’m not planning rock climbing etc with my vehicle since it's not a mountain goat.
My question to you revolves around when to engage four-wheel drive. I know about bitumen and transmission wind up, however some dirt roads are as hard and as non-slip as bitumen.
Is it safe to engage four-wheel drive on all dirt roads, or only the more loose surfaces? How do I assess which dirt surfaces I can safely drive without risking transmission damage?
Some bearded ones suggest it's okay on any dirt road; one friend suggested to engage four-wheel drive if driving on the dirt road raises dust,?!?
Thank you in advance for your advice,
Peter “Lego”
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