Rear Wheel, All Wheel, and Front Wheel Drive in the Snow

Winter isn’t quite here yet, but the winter weather has certainly arrived. It is important that you know what to expect from your vehicle and how it will handle the snowy conditions ahead. If you are like many of us, you are unsure of what the difference between rear wheel, all wheel, and front wheel drive is… let alone what this means for winter travel.

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

Rear wheel drive means that the wheels that drive the car are located in the back of the vehicle. The tires in the front serve the purpose of steering. During times of inclement weather, rear wheel drive is NOT optimal due to weight distribution. Most cars have an engine in the front, which is where most of the weight is concentrated. When traction is lost, RWD cars are harder to control.

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

Front wheel drive means that the vehicle is driven by the front two tires which are typically located below the vehicles engine. During the winter, FWD cars are good vehicles to drive in the snow as long as the snow has not heavily accumulated on the roadways. The majority of weight being in the front of the vehicle makes FWD preferable over RWD in the snow.

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

All wheel drive cars have power to all four of the wheels of the vehicle. This can be on a full-time basis, or on demand, depending on the make and model of the car. AWD vehicles typically perform better in the snow due to their weight which provides them with better traction and control when winter weather strikes. AWD cars also require more time to brake considering their weight. No matter what type of drivetrain your vehicle has, be cautious and stay safe during inclement winter weather.