Guides and tips
Whether front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive: winter is when you really see which drivetrain delivers. Whilst front-wheel drive ensures stability, rear-wheel drive excels on inclines – and all-wheel drive offers the best traction on snow and ice. However, good winter tyres and an active stability control system remain crucial for maximum safety.
Drive safely with rear-wheel drive
Whether it’s snow-covered country roads, slippery junctions or icy gradients – in winter, the right drive system is a crucial safety factor. But how do front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive differ in winter road conditions? And which drive system suits your driving style? TÜV NORD explains the strengths and weaknesses of each system – including practical tips for safe driving in ice and snow.
Front-wheel drive provides excellent stability when accelerating, even on slippery roads.
Front-wheel-drive vehicles struggle when starting on inclines, particularly when fully loaded. Braking stability on downhill bends also leaves something to be desired.
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles are easy to drive up hills, even when fully loaded. Rear-wheel drive also offers better traction when towing a trailer or caravan.
One of the main drawbacks of this type of drive is undoubtedly that the rear wheels tend to ‘spin’ when accelerating on a slippery road surface.
Permanent four-wheel drive ensures excellent stability even on slippery bends and good traction even on slippery inclines.
Four-wheel drive is particularly worthwhile in regions with extreme winter conditions, as the purchase price of these vehicles is very high.
For safe winter driving – regardless of the type of drive system – tyres bearing the "Alpine symbol" (a mountain pictogram with a snowflake) are essential. Vehicles fitted with an electronic stability programme (ESP or DSC) also offer greater stability and traction, even on roads with varying levels of grip.
Yes – four-wheel drive generally increases the vehicle’s weight and friction losses in the drivetrain. On average, fuel consumption rises by 1–2 litres per 100 kilometres, or 10–15 per cent. This is particularly noticeable when four-wheel drive is permanently engaged.
On slippery surfaces, rear-wheel drive cars tend to skid (oversteer) – particularly when accelerating or cornering. A carefully loaded boot and a gentle driving style can help, as can a driver safety course.
Front-wheel drive pulls the car forward when accelerating – the extra weight of the engine above the drive axle provides relatively good traction on slippery roads. This generally makes it more comfortable and easier to control in corners than rear-wheel drive in wet or snowy conditions.
Driving a rear-wheel-drive car in snow or on slippery roads requires extra care. Our tips will help you start, brake and manoeuvre safely – so you can enjoy a stress-free journey even in winter.
