We had about two inches of snow overnight with a little more this morning. It makes me wonder how many drivers of ‘non-permanent four wheel drive’ 4×4 vehicles will get into their trucks and without thinking select four wheel drive as they believe that is the correct thing to do in snow, it’s actually a very wrong thing to do as with the majority of these 4x4s it’s one of the most dangerous and damaging thing you can do. Without a centre differential (as fitted to permanent 4 wheel drive vehicles like Land Rovers) you not only put damaging stresses on the drive train with dangerous and expensive consequences but you suffer from severe under steer. Most dangerously as engine braking is applied evenly to both front and back axles, if you’re going down hill you risk having the rear of the vehicle spinning around to the front. The correct method of driving in snow with most temporary 4 wheel drive vehicles is to leave them in 2 wheel drive and only engage 4 wheel drive if you become stuck and then immediately disengage 4 wheel drive once you’re moving. Some tips on four wheel driving techniques here information on locking differentials here and general information on safe driving in snow here. Remember 4 wheel drive will not stop you skidding and sliding on very slippery surfaces but it helps to keep you moving (in some direction!), when the going is tough you need to be moving slowly to maintain as much control as possible.

I went out in the Nissan Patrol to the local Tesco store this morning to do some shopping, it was really quiet there, I think most people were staying at home due to the snow.

My mum went to the doctor yesterday and she’s on antibiotics and steroids and is feeling a little better today. 🙂