Driving In Snow - Take 2

[argento]

As a new (one week!) owner of a Rav (4.2 D4D) bought specifically for the dangerous, inclement, character building weather we are experiencing at present, I thought I'd ask more advice! Especially as I don't have an owner's manual...

I went for the 4.2 as it has permanent 4 wheel drive, but is there anything I should be aware of? Heard about warning beeps - ..?

Really pleased with it so far, but how capable should I expect him to be? I'm looking (like the rest of the UK) for winter tyres - without having tried the capability on ordinary 236/ 60's out. Maybe I don't need winter tyres - any thoughts?

I've twenty years experience of driving, but I've been amazed at some of the conditions we've experienced locally in the last four years since moving well out into the country. Wouldn't move for a million years, so better get to know my tools!

From reading posts here I expect I'm going to be mobile in all but the very worst of conditions?

[bothwell_buyer]

Take recognition of the condition of the road first - is the snow so thick you need studded tyres? Or is the ice so smooth you need a sleigh?

Or do you just need to retire to the house with sufficient stocks of drink for you to hibernate until the temp gets above -10C ??

[MarsKy]

I went for the 4.2 as it has permanent 4 wheel drive, but is there anything I should be aware of? Heard about warning beeps - ..?

Really pleased with it so far, but how capable should I expect him to be? I'm looking (like the rest of the UK) for winter tyres - without having tried the capability on ordinary 236/ 60's out. Maybe I don't need winter tyres - any thoughts?

Not sure of the 4.2, but the 4.3 gives a rapid succession of beeps when it loses traction. Reassuring in a strange way.

What are your current tyres (make, size, tread)?

Winter tyres - everyone knows I promote their use. I bought my first set for a Mazda6 4WD after I had a few near misses. They make a massive difference. And remember, you may have a good four-wheel-drive system, but not necessarily a good four-wheel-stop system. That's where your tyres (and brakes obviously) will make the difference.

If you are rural, I would think about it. If you are in the city, then you'll probably get caught up in the gridlock that usually happens because everyone else doesn't have winter tyres. But they can be cost-effective if you hold onto your RAV for a few years.

On YouTube there are a few videos with winter driving tips. Worth a look.

Edit: also see BBC News

[vivianM]

As a new (one week!) owner of a Rav (4.2 D4D) bought specifically for the dangerous, inclement, character building weather we are experiencing at present, I thought I'd ask more advice! Especially as I don't have an owner's manual...

I went for the 4.2 as it has permanent 4 wheel drive, but is there anything I should be aware of? Heard about warning beeps - ..?

Really pleased with it so far, but how capable should I expect him to be? I'm looking (like the rest of the UK) for winter tyres - without having tried the capability on ordinary 236/ 60's out. Maybe I don't need winter tyres - any thoughts?

I've twenty years experience of driving, but I've been amazed at some of the conditions we've experienced locally in the last four years since moving well out into the country. Wouldn't move for a million years, so better get to know my tools!

From reading posts here I expect I'm going to be mobile in all but the very worst of conditions?

My 4.2 was very good in the snow even with the standard tyres but I agree with Marksky that stopping can often be the worst problem, even with ABS etc. especially if the road is icy or well packed snow. Just drive at speeds to suit the conditions with a bit extra speed on if you need to plow through a drift !

Winter tyres will make it even better but my experience of them was that they did not last well as soon as the winter was over, I was lucky enough to have a set of both winter and standard tyres for my 3.5L SD1 Rover (going back a few years!)

Best wishes

Guy

[three5]

As a new (one week!) owner of a Rav (4.2 D4D) bought specifically for the dangerous, inclement, character building weather we are experiencing at present, I thought I'd ask more advice! Especially as I don't have an owner's manual...

I went for the 4.2 as it has permanent 4 wheel drive, but is there anything I should be aware of? Heard about warning beeps - ..?

Really pleased with it so far, but how capable should I expect him to be? I'm looking (like the rest of the UK) for winter tyres - without having tried the capability on ordinary 236/ 60's out. Maybe I don't need winter tyres - any thoughts?

I've twenty years experience of driving, but I've been amazed at some of the conditions we've experienced locally in the last four years since moving well out into the country. Wouldn't move for a million years, so better get to know my tools!

From reading posts here I expect I'm going to be mobile in all but the very worst of conditions?

Hi Argento - we had a bit of a "session" on this very subject last year. Have a look at: http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=105039&st=0&p=953087&fromsearch=1entry953087

General opinion is "if the RAV won't go there , don't bother trying anything else". One of our members who lives in the Highlands of Scotland at Grantown-on-Spey ( apologies - name temporally forgotten ) posted a fantastic video a couple of weeks ago of his RAV driving in about 18" of snow - awesome!

[Big Kev]

His name is Bluevortex, Tommy.....sorry, Chris, and he will be like a dog with 2 appendages again, coz it's snowing up there in Grampa-on- Spey.

Big Kev

[argento]

Cheers Guys - most helpful.

Took it to work this morning - about seven inches of snow and we were only the second vehicle down our very rural road. No bother at all - well impressed. As you've said, drive sensibly - 4x4 doesn't mean you're invincible - but by God you've got a better chance of getting somewhere. I think my days of being ignominously towed home in a 2WD are over!

Home tonight through about nine inches in places - it's the heaviest snow in NI in 25 years apparently...

Wearing Infinity tyres on the front and I've just noticed I have Nankang's on the rear - they are M+S - so presumably I'll get a fair grip!

Anywho - well impressed with the show so far!

[rambler]

Hi Argento

Well as you can see from the photo's below,i also have a 4.2 D4D,but i have yokohama geolander A/T 'S all round,and so far in essex this year we have had about 6" a few weeks ago.

Rav coped very well indeed,just gripped and went....just awaiting this weekends snow now....bring it on

[argento]

Rambler the roof lights look well tasty. Just what the wilds of County Down requires...

Difficult to source?

[GS John]

Well as you can see from the photo's below,i also have a 4.2 D4D,but i have yokohama geolander A/T 'S all round,and so far in essex this year we have had about 6" a few weeks ago.

Rav coped very well indeed,just gripped and went....just awaiting this weekends snow now....bring it on

Got a set of the Geolander A/T S fitted yesterday :)

Had to go and collect them as the courier company had taken over a week to get them 150 miles, and it was going to be another week to get them the 30 miles to the fitters

[rambler]

Rambler the roof lights look well tasty. Just what the wilds of County Down requires...

Difficult to source?

well.....no,just £50 for 2 pairs of 'ring' chrome 125mm driving lights (halfords), ( ive now sprayed them black),1 mtr of 25mm square aluminium tube from B&Q (so dont rust),2x12mm Hex bolts & locking nuts,& some brackets to clamp to my bike rack,Drilled and made it all myself.

Just got a local car electrician to wire them for me..properly...

Cost more for the car electrician than the other stuff combined,but he did a cracking job,nice neat wiring

[argento]

Certainly looks well!

[RichT-XT3]

As a new (one week!) owner of a Rav (4.2 D4D) bought specifically for the dangerous, inclement, character building weather we are experiencing at present, I thought I'd ask more advice! Especially as I don't have an owner's manual...

I went for the 4.2 as it has permanent 4 wheel drive, but is there anything I should be aware of? Heard about warning beeps - ..?

Really pleased with it so far, but how capable should I expect him to be? I'm looking (like the rest of the UK) for winter tyres - without having tried the capability on ordinary 236/ 60's out. Maybe I don't need winter tyres - any thoughts?

I've twenty years experience of driving, but I've been amazed at some of the conditions we've experienced locally in the last four years since moving well out into the country. Wouldn't move for a million years, so better get to know my tools!

From reading posts here I expect I'm going to be mobile in all but the very worst of conditions?

I have a 4.2 XT3 and whilst the wide 235 tyres are ok on a wet field, they just skate on ice or hard snow, especially the rears. I weigh the back down to help.. my old mk1 with 195 tyres was better in snow but still required something in the back to help with balance.

I bought some freelander steel wheels with 195 mud and snow tyres, but they are 15" and rub on the brakes unless you fit spacers. Spigot rings also needed

Even as it is though the Rav is so enjoyable in the snow, as a karter I like not being stuck to the tarmac and still feel in control when sliding...enjoy it!