part time AWD?

[charlierh2]

Is there any reason that if you were using a differnt set of tires for summer and winter that you couldnt use the fwd fuse all summer and run front wheel drive then ( with a little less awd stick to the road feel) and AWD with your winter ones? Would this give you the increased gas mileage and hp to wheels that you loose form AWD? thanx for any thoughts.

[Suzam]

Some have tried with somewhat mixed results, but the bottom line is the AWD system in the auto has a 90-10 spilt of power until it calls for better traction, then the voltage increases on the electronically controled clutch packs. The gain for trying FWD with the fuse would be minimal at best. The MPG is effected more by the weight of the entire AWD system than the added "drag" on the drive train. You would be supplying full current to the clutch packs at all times. I wonder if you could be causing more damage to the electronics and mechanical parts by doing this than you would gain in MPG?

[charlierh2]

is the 90/10 split the reason that there is different tire pressure in front and back to maintain the same wearing on all wheels?

[Commuter]

is the 90/10 split the reason that there is different tire pressure in front and back to maintain the same wearing on all wheels?

Different tire pressure is usually the result of a weight distribution that is not 50/50. That is, the tire pressure on the front wheels of most vehicles is greater since there is more weight over the front wheels. This in turn keeps the effective rolling diameter the same for all wheels. And that is what matters, especially with AWD.

 

Commuter