4WD Auto

[DTN]

Do you use 4WD Auto all the time or just when road conditions dictate usage?

 

[bcwood64]

I only use it when there is snow or ice on the ground. If not 2WD all the way.

 

[Snofire]

You could leave 4WD Auto on all the time as it won't hurt anything. It will only kick in when it needs to.

 

[DTN]

You could leave 4WD Auto on all the time as it won't hurt anything. It will only kick in when it needs to.

Yes, I see that in the manual. But do you keep it on all the time?

 

[Snofire]

Yes, I see that in the manual. But do you keep it on all the time

I'd maybe turn it in winter on but wouldn't leave it on if the roads are completely dry. Are you trying to "Set it and forget it"?

 

[Richard320]

If its raining I'll put on the 4WD Auto. If I'm on snow or dirt or gravel, fulltime 4WD. On dry pavement, why bother?

 

[jimchi]

Leaving 4WD Auto on has a slight negative effect on fuel economy. Other than that, it doesn't really matter. I usually keep it in 2WD unless there's snow & ice on the road.

 

[Neurobit]

It will not hurt anything on dry pavement, except your mileage perhaps.
I turn mine on when it rains just to ensure everything is working as it should.

 

[HemiDude]

Mine has a slight moan when I make a turn while in 4wd auto. Doesn't do it in 4wHi, or 2wd, so I only use 4wd auto when I think I might experience random traction loss such as black ice or pooling water on the road.

 

[Bluesurf]

I use it after a rain fall. All the grease and oils rise up on Houston streets. If I make a U turn I feel the 4 wheel drive kick in so my truck doesn't fishtail. Most folks don't know unless it says AWD you must turn it on. I have the limited slip dif. however, its nothing close to my 4WD.

 

[DTN]

I'd maybe turn it in winter on but wouldn't leave it on if the roads are completely dry. Are you trying to "Set it and forget it"?

No, I'm not looking for "Set it and forget it". I just wanted to see what others do and their experiences with 4wd auto. I just bought my Ram and haven't used 4wd auto yet. My default thinking is to not use it all the time, just when the roads are slippery. But since I've never had a truck with this option I just wanted input on it from fellow truck owners.

 

[SpeedyV]

Do you use 4WD Auto all the time or just when road conditions dictate usage?

Only when conditions dictate, e.g. variable inclement weather. It won’t hurt anything but gas mileage (a bit) to run in Auto 4WD continuously. But as others have said, it’s unnecessary in good conditions.

 

[Hydroblueguy]

No, I'm not looking for "Set it and forget it". I just wanted to see what others do and their experiences with 4wd auto. I just bought my Ram and haven't used 4wd auto yet. My default thinking is to not use it all the time, just when the roads are slippery. But since I've never had a truck with this option I just wanted input on it from fellow truck owners.

I’ve had 4auto for 14 years now and I love it! Do not leave it on all the time. I use mine when it’s slippery in town at stop signs/lights, I really like it for that. As others were saying, maybe in the rain, if roads are slick and you want piece of mind that it will kick in if you have wheel slippage. Also if you need to pull out in traffic fast, this will give you extra traction and prevent as much wheel slippage, just remember to turn it on quick! I also use it if know I will have to stop on a incline with loose gravel or rocks, sand etc. I have used it in deep snow and it works fine, but for best results in deep snow or roads covered in ice, you would have the best results in 4H. Good luck, enjoy the new truck and the auto 4WD

 

[piening2150]

I’ve had 4auto for 14 years now and I love it! Do not leave it on all the time. I use mine when it’s slippery in town at stop signs/lights, I really like it for that. As others were saying, maybe in the rain, if roads are slick and you want piece of mind that it will kick in if you have wheel slippage. Also if you need to pull out in traffic fast, this will give you extra traction and prevent as much wheel slippage, just remember to turn it on quick! I also use it if know I will have to stop on a incline with loose gravel or rocks, sand etc. I have used it in deep snow and it works fine, but for best results in deep snow or roads covered in ice, you would have the best results in 4H. Good luck, enjoy the new truck and the auto 4WD

^^Exactly how I've been using it. 2wd most of the time, but I will kick it into 4A or 4H under those same conditions.

 

[Trippi]

I have the 2020 Rebel so do not have auto but had it my 2015 Silverado - I kept it on all the time. No issue and no thought as to when I would slightly need 4wd

 

[Amazing93]

I just use it when road conditions are slick.

 

[mikeru82]

I basically turn mine on when the roads first become slick in the fall and leave it on all winter. I just turned it off last week, and I won't use it unless conditions dictate it, until next fall. Most mornings all winter the roads are wet at the least, but most of the time there is a good chance I'll hit some form of ice or snow. I'd say it depends on where you live, and the normal road conditions.

 

[cj7]

I only use it when there is snow or ice on the ground. If not 2WD all the way.

Ditto.

And while you could keep it in 4A all the time, it reduces gas mileage and does next to no good.

 

[Biga]

I use it when road conditions are slick snow and ice. When I had the stock tires I would use it in the rain occatisionally but I don't see the need with the Continental Terrain contacts, they hook up well on wet roads.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Heavy rain, snow, ice, etc. Other than that she stays in 2wd.