road trip - tahoe

leaving tomorrow evening. finally i can finish the break-in miles on my new xterra. I expect I will see snow. I might even get to try the 4x4 mode? But I dont wanna wreck it. Do I only use it in super thick snow?

You can use 4x4 in any "slick" situations. Deep snow, slush, ice, etc. Do not use it on dry pavement.

Also, just remember, 4-wheel drive doesn't mean 4-wheel stop. :) Just cause you can move doesn't mean you can stop.

ah but even wet roads from rain? or only slushy roads. thanks for the tips.

I wouldn't use it on just wet roads either, but it would be better than totally dry pavement.

Basically you just have to make sure the wheels can slip so the 4wd doesn't bind.

My rule is, only use 4x4 if it's really needed. I have had my X in 4wd many many times...but not once on the road (the last two winters have been way too mild!).

got into tahoe last night. pretty sweet ride in the X. tho, the power got a bit weak at almost 8000 ft elevation. It was 3F when we arrived last night. Now this morning its below 0F. Pretty damn cold, not used to it. Didnt get to try 4x4, although theres a lot of snow the roads were pretty dry.