And, like everyone says... keep in mind that 4 wheel drive is good to HELP YOU OUT, but you still need to drive sensibly and safely.

PipeTobacco

Excellent! People often over estimate their ability and the capability of their 4 wheel drive.

While I haven't driven in much snow, I can say the patriot does well on ice.

- Dan M

 

I was driving my Tracker this past weekend. And while it does really well in snow, even in 6-8 inches of snow over 4 inches of ice off-road, it did really well. The draw back with it over the Patriot is on the road.

On the road, the Patriot will be FWD, unless needed then it's AWD. This really comes in handy on the hard roads this time of year. When I come around a bend and the road goes from dry as a bone to covered in snow and ice from the wind blowing over the road, I'm confident in the Patriot. If in the Tracker I would need to shift into 4x4 to handle that. Then get out of 4x4 as soon as the road is dry again.

So on the road, the Patriot is the better 4x4 system IMHO. Other 4x4's should never be in 4x4 on hard road surfaces. That can be sort of tricky for road conditions this time of year.

 

See, i think i missed out not getting a 4x4 Pat. I see my traction control kick in quite often, as the torque causes the front tires to break loose on the usually-wet pavement of the NW USA.

Tried taking the Pat up a relatively shallow, packed-snow incline not long ago, and could NOT get forward traction to save my life. In fact, i even started to slide backwards at one point, though i was in first gear, throttling as gently as possible. Eventually had to roll back into a dry area, get a run at it, and use my momentum to crawl up the hill. Once i was moving, it was no issue, but getting any initial bite was impossible.

I blame the tires, mostly, but 4x4 would certainly have come in handy. For what its worth, I've got Yoko Geolandar AT-S (225's). They're great on dry pave, but i'm not impressed in cold or wet conditions.

 

keep in mind that 4 wheel drive is good to HELP YOU OUT, but you still need to drive sensibly and safely.

PipeTobacco

Why doesn't it say that all over the sun visor like the countless warnings about the air bag? :doh:

 

I've been having a blast driving in the snow. We've avoided the deep stuff, but have had a lot of dry, slippery snow with single-digit temps. I've tested my Pat in the empty side of parking lots, pushing it until the traction light flickers on. I have the stock Eagle LS-2s with 12k miles, and they seem to be doing the job.

I had the same problem with my old Cherokee as Dixie with his Tracker; the Cherokee had the Command-Trac (part time) system, so I had to pay attention and flick it in and out of 4x4 mode when the road changed from dry to snow covered. I envied the Selec-Trac (full time) system on my wife's Liberty. With traction control, my Pat seems more sure-footed than the Liberty, even though the Libby has better tires. Can't wait until I can upgrade the Pats' tires.

 

Thanks for the post Pipe Tobacco - i agree with you! I was very skeptical at first, but slowly becoming a believer. We haven't had enough snow yet it Pgh to really test it, but the conditions I've encountered so far gave me no problem. The weight of it alone over my prior car is an asset. You are absolutely correct, 4WD does not make you safe. Safety comes from the driver and you seem very sensible. I am too - in all conditions. I don't want anything to happen to this vehicle. Everyone I know who owns a 4WD says it's a "beast", but I think you are right - I've already said about mine "she's a little beast"! Happy Driving! p.s. (I got stock tires too, was worried at first but I am getting over it)

 

Don't you Guys Know that you never underestimate your Jeep Patriot or any Jeep, just my opinion.

 

The first snowfall which was pretty heavy I had the Pat locked in 4WD. After that I haven't locked it and it goes through just as much snow. I think the only time I will use the 4WD lock is when I'm stuck or it seems really really bad.

Overall I am very impressed with the Pat in the snow.

 

We spent the weekend at Yosemite. Monday morning brought us 6-7" of new powder after several days of rain. I used cable chains, and had no problem--once I figured I had to turn ESP OFF--with traction. There was one incident where I did lose traction getting out of a rather steep drive, so did the old Model A trick on steep hills, I backed out with no problem on the first attempt (after several failed ones going forward!)

This was my first experience with cable chains--think I'd rather have the "chain" type--better traction stopping and perhaps a little better starting as well.

What's been other's experiences in the snow with the 2WD Patriots? Mine is pushing 3 years old, this has been the first opportunity to play in the snow. No better or worse than other rigs I've owned.

 

I sometimes need chains to get up my driveway in winter. Luckily, even with the snow we've had, I haven't needed then, yet.

My sig photo is the bottom of my driveway.

 

we have a 2010 fwd patriot and have had over 4 inches of snow and ice for the last 2 weeks----0 problems in driving anywhere..we live in hilly country eastern kentucky..

it has taken me to places i ?? without 4x4--no probs.
just keep your head and drive..