So I’m taking my Bronco out in the snow for the first time, and I’m confused by all the advice online. Some say to use slippery mode for a few inches of snow, while others say only use it when the roads are completely covered.
I’ve also read that 4H shouldn’t be used unless conditions are really bad, and I don’t want to mess up anything. What’s the best way to handle this? For context, I have a 2023 Big Bend with selectable 4H, 4L, and GOAT modes.
I use 4H whenever the trail is wet or slippery. Even light snow falls into this category. It also depends on your tires—less grip means you’ll need 4H more often.
If it’s dry and traction isn’t an issue, avoid using 4H or 4L. These settings rely on tire slippage between axles to prevent stress on the system. For snow, if you have 4A, use that since it works like all-wheel drive.
If the roads are bad, switch to slippery mode before you start driving. It’ll engage 4H automatically, but you can put it back in 2H and still get the benefits of slippery mode. It helps with smooth starts and turns.
I’ve used it in snow during my commute, and it worked fine. No slipping or spinning out. Just don’t rely on 4H for regular driving—it can get rough when you turn.
@Zia
That’s an interesting trick! I hadn’t thought of doing it that way. I’ll give it a try and see how it feels.
Vesper said:
@Zia
That’s an interesting trick! I hadn’t thought of doing it that way. I’ll give it a try and see how it feels.
Yeah, just make sure to avoid using 4H on dry roads. You’ll feel it binding as soon as you make a turn.
@Zia
Turns out I didn’t need 4H after all. The snow melted before I even got on the road.
Vesper said:
@Zia
Turns out I didn’t need 4H after all. The snow melted before I even got on the road.
Well, sometimes nature handles it for you!
Think of your system as part-time 4WD. Use it only on loose or slippery surfaces like dirt, gravel, snow, or mud. Dry roads don’t have enough slippage, and that can cause stress in the transfer case, leading to damage.
If you’re driving on wet, snow-covered, or icy roads, 4H is fine. But avoid it on dry surfaces unless there’s constant rain or snow. No middle differential means it’s not designed for tight turns on dry ground.
@Shane
This makes a lot of sense. Thanks for breaking it down.
Isn’t 4A basically just all-wheel drive? I thought you could use it any time.
Vail said:
Isn’t 4A basically just all-wheel drive? I thought you could use it any time.
I don’t have the 4A option on mine.
If the road has snow or slush, you’re good to use 4H. That’s exactly what it’s for. Just don’t use it on dry pavement.
Put it in slippery mode—it’ll choose the right 4WD setting for you automatically.
Slippery mode is perfect for icy or slushy roads. It reduces power to prevent spinning out. If you’re in deep snow or need more traction, switch to sand mode. It lets the tires spin so you can push through.