Which Drive Mode to Use in Winter?

Winter driving is challenging as the roads are often covered in snow and can easily become sloppy, making it difficult for even the most experienced drivers to maneuver their vehicles safely and confidently. To help you drive smoothly in such extreme winter conditions, many new-age cars, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 and Dodge Charger, come with different drive modes, helping you adapt to different road conditions easily and offering a smooth driving experience. Keep reading to learn which drive mode makes the most sense on winter terrains to ensure maximum safety and a stress-free driving experience.

[ALSO READ: 5 Expert-Recommended Auto Tips to Follow This Winter]

How to Select Driving Modes for Extreme Winter Conditions

Choosing the right driving mode can significantly elevate your safety and control when driving in extreme snow conditions. Here are some tips on how to select the right driving modes:

• Understand your vehicle’s drive modes: Every vehicle has its own set of drive modes, which you can use throughout your driving journey. So, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the available options before deciding which one to use while driving in winter. 
• Use snow or ice mode: On a few vehicles, like the Jeep Compass, you have a snow mode, designed specifically for snowy or icy conditions, so use that every time you step out on a slippery road to enjoy great traction control and throttle response, preventing dangerous wheel spins. 
• Check for the AWD mode: Your vehicle may not have exclusive drive modes, but it allows you to switch to the built-in all-wheel drive (AWD) system. So, use that system when driving in winter, as it engages all four wheels to provide excellent traction and stability on slippery road surfaces. 
• Avoid using Eco mode: It’s good to keep efficiency in mind, but not all the time. If you’re thinking of driving on Eco mode, skip it for winter, as it may provide great fuel economy but reduces throttle response, resulting in losing control. 
• Use the manual/normal mode: If you’re unsure which mode is the best to drive with in winter, switch to the manual one. With normal mode, you get complete control over the vehicle and can maneuver it as the conditions allow you, helping you stay safe in unpredictable road and driving conditions. 

Shop for Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat and Chrysler Vehicles at S&B Keswick Motors

Need help in finding a Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler or Fiat with drive modes? Please visit S&B Keswick Motors in Keswick, ON, and get in touch with our experienced product experts, who can help you find the right vehicle for your needs from our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles from these brands. For more information or to book a sales appointment, please call us at 800-463-4130, today!