Panda 4x4

[Dickieboko]

G'Day Newbie here, already used some good advice from this sites experts on my 07 Panda 4x4.
Got some other cars in the garage and this one keeps making me smile...just a little more power and economy? but hey it does what it should do.
One query to start with.. The 4 wheel drive needs the front wheels to 'slip' to activate all wheels therefore am I right in thinking you should not fit winter tyres or snow socks as it will be late in applying the required drive? like to hear your thoughts on the matter. All the best Dickiboko.

 

[DaveMcT]

The ability to stop is even more important so use the snow socks.

 

[Funky Spike]

I just can't see the logic that. As DaveMcT said, I'd rather be able to stop. I know from driving my 1.1 active last winter on shagged out winter tyres that even with 2WD there is plenty of grip to go forward.
Now I'm a new 4x4 owner that will definitely be getting a new set of winters even though it already has a new set of all seasons.

Spike

 

[Dickieboko]

Thanks for replies and yes (as an ex emergency service driver) I understand the need to be able to stop?! but the ability to use the drive train on all wheels to slow down is also very effective, I am just posing the question that will using winter tyres and the like delay the actuation of 4wd? if so it could be debated that you could save money and just have a cheaper 2wd with the winter tyres etc?

 

[andydiver]

Any delay won't be noticeable. The activation of drive to the rear would be within a fraction of a turn of slip, very tight. It will be biased to avoid spinning the rears as this is dynamically more dangerous (will spin the car). The sensors will assume very equal tyre diameter on all wheels. For same reasons recommend equal grip tyres all round with a bias for less wear at the front for front wheel drive and brake bias.
Therefore all same type of tyre all round be that summer or winter. If so extreme you need socks put them on the front. If they are not spinning you will make progress and be able to steer and stop, you could have skis on the back, no matter.

 

[DaveMcT]

A (very) long time ago I was using an old Mini 1000 through a very cold winter. The back end simply followed the front but on ice (and there was a lot of ice) there was virtually no grip at the back. The front wheels scrabbled for grip and I had to cadence brake (pump the pedal) but I got about and never had a mishap.

Hills were a big problem going up you just kept the speed up and hope the grip and momentum would be enough. Going downhill was scary as there was so little grip. The addition of 4WD would have helped up hills but most of the time it was fine with basic 2WD and narrow tyres with good treads.

 

[PandaMambo]

You could save money with a FWD + winter tyres, and do very well too. I've had a 2WD panda for ages and it was good in snow, even on summer tyres, on winters really pretty nifty.
However the four wheel drive will get you going (and has got me moving) when FwD won't/might not and 4WD with winter tyres will keep you going and get you going even better...
Depending on which model you have the 4wd is fed in and out automatically so I don't think its a concern. The new 4x4s can be put in ELD mode which forces 4wd and also gives electronic diff.
I think the 07s MKII were a viscous clutch to feed drive to back and the original Panda had a good old lever to clunk it in! They all give you extra drive when needed - agreed permanent or manually engaged 4wd gives you what you want when you want, but I really don't think you'll have an issue with the panda system
As you already know they are BRILLIANT! (2 or 4 wd)