How & When To Use 2WD, AUTO 4WD, 4 HIGH or 4 LOW : A Beginner's Guide

In this video I share when I would typically use the various drive modes on my GMC Sierra AT4, especially driving in snow.
Sifting through forums, I see many people ask when or if they should use AUTO 4WD, 4 High or 4 Low
These are my opinions and are also aligned with information found in the owner's manual.
#4wd #auto #snow
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[@Donslife]

linktr.ee/donslife - Links to all of my products and discounts

[@chrisgraham2904]

When I first got my license at age 16, my Father gave me a good piece of advise. When the first Canadian snowfall hits, head to an open parking lot to pull a few donuts and intentional slides. Slam on the brakes and get used to the slide to re-acquaint your brain with recovery from slides and spin-outs using your steering, brakes or accelerator. Been doing it for 53 winters now and it's a great refresher for safe winter driving. Driving and surprises don't work well together.

[@grejen711]

:) used to do that when I was a kid too. Didn't need any encouragement from dad though!

[@Donslife]

I have provided the same advice to my 4 daughters - get a good understanding how the vehicle behaves in a safe area first. Then respect its limits. They all carry jumper cables and basic tools in their trunks, just in case.

[@jimsteinway695]

I didn’t wait for snow. I used to do that in open parking lots anytime I got a higher performance car. I do slides and doughnuts etc. just to get a feel for the vehicle dynamics. Then I’d go join a track day and ask for an instructor

[@kellismith4329]

@@grejen711 yes I dad that too, a driving instructor I had made me do it as well (yes, real driving instruction). Now that I am really old, I still go there whenever there is snow and do donuts etc, lifelong good fun

[@Bullshot62399]

@@grejen711 that last part was not needed

[@jimpulcine9925]

Very informative video. I have to say , I love drifting in the snow. I'm 64 years old but still like to be a kid myself.

[@allenw969]

I used to visit the High Desert area in Southern California quite a bit. I found that driving on those sandy roads is a great way to learn to control a vehicle while it is sliding. I taught a number of teenagers to drive, and if I could I took them out to that area initially to teach them how to handle a car.

[@poolfixer]

Thanks for making this video. I purchased a Tahoe with similar features you are demonstrating and was curious when to use them. Perfect timing as Winter weather is starting to hit the eastern United States. Thanks again!

[@citytocountry5670]

This was actually a very helpful video for a first time truck owner getting ready for the Canadian winter! Thank you!

[@Donslife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-uc9px1iu2m]

I have a 21 Sierra SLT 4x4. I built an H shaped frame of 2x4’s for between the wheel wells, then placed 6 60# sand bags between. Makes a huge difference in slick conditions

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

Good idea. Do you have a photo of your set up?

[@legioxequestris4202]

After many a years of hard work I bought a brand new 2023 ford f150 xlt 5.0 v8 fx4 in January. Never had a 4x4 so I'm definitely a 4x4 newbie.

[@Donslife]

Thank you for watching!

[@robertwood9628]

Thank you very much for such an informative video. I have a 2020 1 ton GMC Denali that i bought when i lived in So. Calif. Asked the salesman to explain the whens and when nots about 4wd and auto modes. He wasn't sure because it never snows where we lived at the beach. Now I live in northern Utah and we recently had our first snow of the season. I put it in 4H to get out of my driveway and drove around town like that. Thanks to your excellent video I will now use the AUTO function . Great job!!!

[@prestonvilla3837]

This is an excellent video, I’m very familiar with the four-wheel-drive selections, especially in the GMC family. Very good explanation in the different 4-wheel Drive settings.

[@MikeJones-cf4wu]

Thank don very informative I have a 2021 slt with all the bells and whistles. I keep it in 2 wheel Drive. But you just gave me some good advice. All your videos and upgrades are very helpful. I wish I could give you a 💯

[@brianronayne7769]

Thanks so much! (and for replying so quickly) Stay warm this winter and safe driving. Cheers. Brian.

[@wildbill23c]

I've had a few vehicles over the years with a couple different auto settings. My Explorer is in 4Auto all the time, but I have the ability to select 4hi part time and 4lo if needed. My 1st Jeep Grand Cherokee had full time 4WD with a viscous coupler in the transfer case that split power 48/52 typically during normal driving conditions, but had the capability to send full power to the front or rear if needed for traction....I also could select 4Lo if needed, but I had no 2WD option and no part time 4WD option other than low range. My 2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee had the upgraded 4WD system (Selec-Trac) which gave me 2WD, and both full time and part time 4WD high range, and low range as well. No fancy sensors or electronics...just a fully mechanical 4WD system, but I did have a rear limited slip differential in that one. I haven't had a pickup with a 4Auto or full time 4WD setting, all of my 4x4 pickups have only had 4hi and 4lo as well as 2WD....and most were manually shifted with manual locking hubs, lock the hubs the first snow of the season, usually September or October depending on if I went hunting or not, and then shift in and out of 4WD with the lever as needed, then usually I'd forget to unlock the hubs till around May or June LOL.

[@ARFuse]

Very important to note that when ESC is disengaged, it will automatically reengage at 35mph. Ask the guys who were doing high speed drifts and nearly flipped their truck when it kicked back in and applied braking. Love the videos Don, great content all around.

[@Donslife]

I will continue to avoid that flipping feature 🤔

[@clintk4691]

Very true! As far as I'm aware, only the ZR2 trim allows you to leave ESC off above 30km/h through the use of off road mode. Makes the truck much more fun.

[@patrickedgewood8598]

@@clintk4691 Bison guy here.🦬 and front and back locking differentials.

[@HawkOnHOG]

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500 and I typically use my drive modes exactly as your suggestions in your video. When I got the truck and noticed the Auto 4WD feature, first thing I did was look at the owner's manual, and it said exactly the same thing. 2WD for normal driving conditions, Auto 4WD for intermittent traction situations, especially typical highway driving in winter conditions, 4 High for more extreme traction, but at speeds between 15mph and 50mph, and 4 Low for low speed situations to get out of a stuck situation. I have only used 4 Low a couple of times ever. I've used 4 High a few times here & there. Auto 4WD, I have used frequently almost every winter, as driving conditions dictated.

[@Donslife]

Thanks for checking this video out and leaving your thoughts

[@cheeng1]

Traction control working in the background for 4Auto is a good point. For on-road snow driving, 4Auto (and off-road mode if available) is the way to go. 4H & 4L are specialized for real off road conditions.

[@clubtc05]

Great Information, Just bought my first 4x4 truck (23 AT4 3L). Thank you for making this video!

[@Donslife]

This was intended for folks like you and those who are curious. Congrats on your first truck!!

[@tbzrss]

I'm only 2 mins in but I love and trust your delivery...thanks for sharing. I'm going to show my kid this after I watch it.

[@Donslife]

Thank you. Those are some nice comments. For all my kids (4); I had them practice in a snowy parking lot to figure out how their vehicles would behave. Smash that like button and share!

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

Great video. The best video with accurate information. I watched many videos and they all had wrong information, to the extent I just went and took time to read my manual. And found out, all the other videos were not accurate, but yours is. Thanks again..

[@Donslife]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I appreciate it

[@fuckyoutubehandless]

Just a tip. The shutter or skipping the front tires do in 4 High is an indication you’re using it when you shouldn’t be, especially while turning. In 4 High or Low, the wheels are locked and all designed to move at the same speed. The shutter is because one side is moving faster than the other and is inherently bad for your transfer case. If you’re not off-roading, or in really bad conditions, 4 wheel should only be used to move forward. Turning in 4 wheel without the tires being able to slip is bad. A slight dusting does not call for 4 wheel in turns. Auto, sure, but not full blown 4 wheel. Also, 4 Auto is not the same as AWD and shouldn’t be used as such. AWD is designed to allow the wheels to move at different rates by supplying the power to all 4 wheels individually, as needed. 4 auto is basically just engaging the transfer case and putting you in 4 high when the vehicle believes it’s needed. The same things stated above apply for 4 auto when talking about tire rotation.

[@OMG420]

Thank you, I'm a new 4x4 driver and was in heavy up hill snow coming from Salt Lake into Wyoming pulling a uhaul trailer. Was at almost of a pass and felt the rear end start to come out..😰😰😳😵‍💫 I turned that nob 4h so fast lol.. I need new undies...I left it on until I stop to get gas and was turning and felt the shutter I thought I was because I had it in tow mode and was engine brake at first, but I was at like 5mph knew it couldn't be that.... now I know! Thank you.

[@chinho1348]

@N D, when it's Raining, how long should you Drive in 4 Auto? I'm asking because I spun out in 2 wheel Drive in the Rain and almost had a Bad day.

[@LouisianaSpey]

We are about to get a freeze in louisiana and it does this maybe once a year. I worry about crossing a bridge that will have ice on it when thins freeze, I have tundra and I am trying to prepare mentally before it freezes. Could I use 4hi with a light freeze on the bridge, it's not going to get crazy this or heavy snow. I just want to be prepared and not freak out.

[@Donslife]

Drive slow and try not to be gentle when accelerating.

[@mstang61]

Would you switch from 2wd to 4wd to get going in snow and switch back to 2wd after your moving?

[@oldguysrock2170]

I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Winters are up to 5 months long with easily over 200” of snow yearly. I had a 2002 Chevy Avalanche with the Auto 4x4 feature along with 4 high and low settings. From the first snows, I would put it in the Auto setting and pretty much leave it until spring time. I had the Avalanche for 17 years before selling it. Probably the must reliable 4x4 I ever owned.

[@davidtaco8890]

Hello from Harbor Springs Mi!

[@Freedomwarriors0]

How was the rust of the vehicle if you don’t mind me asking?

[@oldguysrock2170]

@@Freedomwarriors0 : The rust on the 02 Avalanche was almost nonexistent. The frame got rusty underneath. The plastic body panels really protected the sheet metal underneath the panels. My 2014 Silverado is 10 years old and rust everywhere. Rocker panels really bad. Rear fenders lots of rust but no holes.

[@plorks445]

Good video. I got a Pathfinder with the Auto function, LE trim, hoping I could use it for just this reason. Very glad I did. Already used it in intermittent snow and rain recently as I remembered this video as I was driving.

[@orangeblock3792]

This video is awesome, I love it. You are so intelligent and you explain everything clearly and with patience. Thank you!

[@Donslife]

I am glad you liked it. I tried to be detailed and make something for people new to these features

[@hexhead5732]

The last part of this video is the fun part thank you for this info on 4x4 driving 👍

[@Donslife]

The end was the fun part! 😂 Thank you. Some tidbits of info, all which can be found in the manual too.

[@gunnersecuador7515]

It's also a good idea to exercise both axles periodically, to keep the valves working and the fluid moving in the transfer case.

[@Donslife]

Certainly!

[@CodyLynn100]

During the summer, when the 4-wheel drive system isn't usually in use, whenever there is a heavy rain, take your truck on the interstate or other high speed roadway and, when on a straight section, engage the auto/4-wheel drive. The wet roadway with higher speeds will allow the tires to slip a little when engaged. Switch back to 2-wheel if you get to a bend or the rain slows down, so you don't chance damage on grippy surface. Auto can of course be used more readily with any rain or loose/slick surface and doesn't need to be disengaged.

[@gunnersecuador7515]

@@CodyLynn100 Dude whenever in dought, read the owners manual. hard surfaces are a NO-NO. Yes, the rain will cause wheel slippage, but at what cost? Having an accident is not good for anyone. Besides if you own a 4x4 and don't take in the dirt there is little point in having it. I can always find some dirt, sand, etc. to exercise my transfer case. It's not worth the risk for me, but hey, you do you.

[@CrowT]

@@gunnersecuador7515 As long as you are driving STRAIGHT you will be fine. Even on a hard surface like concrete. Just make sure to turn it back to 2wd before you make any turns.

[@sidb9540]

@@CrowT 4X4 mode as far as my experince recalls, should NOT be used for speeds going 60- mph...

[@oscarsandoval4328]

Thank Don , very informative video! Just what I needed to know!Sick truck man! I own a 2022 limited Sierra SLT.

[@prouddk9824]

What a video, and just in time for me! Thanks for explaining the different driving modes. I live in Canada too, though in Ontario we have not had any snow as of yet…the last few days have felt like mid summer, but we know what’s around the corner. I have just purchased a Sierra Elevation and wondered about this topic, and how to use manual gearshift when towing a travel trailer up hills and down. Would you please explain the way to shift up or down gears properly? By the way…awesome content in your posts!

[@dreamthyf]

Just bought my first truck, used 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500. Thank you for this video. I knew that it had 4x4, I really wanted it for adventuring and winter (had to park my CRV in a field till the neighborhood go plowed last year); but I did not know how to use it. Very excited for the future.

[@Donslife]

Glad I could help

[@seangallagher3100]

Great video and very useful information Don. I also have a AT4 and I always wonder how other people run there transfer-case. Thanks for making this video and answering my question.

[@normanrhone142]

Thanks very much Don. I live in a tropical country, and drive a four wheel drive vehicle, this information is still very helpful fpr me. Thanks for your effort to make this video.

[@Donslife]

My pleasure!

[@normanrhone142]

@@Donslife most respect sir.

[@scoobydoo3217]

New truck owner here, thanks for the tips brother

[@davidhauk4163]

I have a Tahoe Z71 and that Auto 4WD really works amazingly well in those conditions. Very smooth. Thank you.

[@ClaudiaRodriguez-tx1qm]

When you don't need where you should have to put on 2⬆️ or Auto ????

[@davidhauk4163]

If I don't need it I use 2WD. If I know I need it I use 4WD and If conditions are rather patchy I use 4Auto. Hope that helps.@@ClaudiaRodriguez-tx1qm

[@jimcogil608]

Hi Don, thaks for the video. I just got a new 2024 Silverado similar to yours and was wondering how to use these fetures. Now I know and will be prepared for the first serious snow!

[@darrellpatton3549]

You have helped me out a lot , I just bought a 2002 Chevy avalanche and it has the Auto 4 wheel drive and the 4 high and the 4 low and it also has the 2 high and I was wondering when I should shift into the 4 high , you have helped me out a lot so I really do appreciate your videos and your doing such a great job 👍👍👍👍 Thank you very much 👍👍👍👍

[@Donslife]

Thank you so much! Glad you found the video helpful

[@tro9490]

Great video. Just bought my 1st truck this yr, 14 Frontier Pro4X(doesn’t have auto). Had some idea about 4x4, but not enough. I was especially surprised by the speed limit in 4wd. I thought all the truck barrelling up the QE2 or out to the ski hills at 130 in January were in 4wd. Added better AT tires, some weight over the axel and now seem to get around most of Calgary winter in 2wd no problem. Thanks again.

[@Donslife]

No problem, You can drive at high speed in 4High. 4Low is limited by design. If you stay in 4High often, you’ll want to keep up on your inspections and fluid maintenance intervals.

[@tro9490]

Ok. I see a lot of articles that say don’t go over 100km in 4WD, just for liability?

[@dontpokethebear4190]

I drive in Calgary the conditions on the roads are poor at best. I keep my truck in Auto until the roads are cleared. There are patches of black ice underneath some snow patches.

[@pizzasaurolophus]

even if off road, 4x4 high can be used if you need speed and momentum, like getting through snow/mud or up a hill. 4x4 low is when are stuck you need slow speed modulation, like 0.5-5 miles per hour to get over obstacles, and also important to read your manual, most trucks have special traction control modes for off road that are usually some combination of 4x4 low + traction control system disabled, and then some kind of brake lock differential will activate for off road mode.

[@curtiscorzine5718]

Just got me a new to me Colorado ZR2 and this was very informative.

[@TheNewenglandboys]

The added benefit of using 4 high is when letting off the gas on slippery conditions, the transmission help slow down the front wheels in addition to the rear.

[@Texas12valve]

I'm not sure about the GM trucks, but I know with Ram in 4auto, when you let off the gas, it engages the front diff, and when you hit the brakes, it engages it more.

[@christopherrhen401]

Using auto all the time is a good way to get a $4500.dollar bill from the dealership for a warn out transfer case , I never use Auto , Only if I’m worried about black ice occasionally over bridges. If it’s used all the time it goes in out in out and wears out the clutches in the transfer case

[@ocmdog]

Very educational! Thank you for sharing this

[@swjang3584]

I’m not an english speaker but I was so impressed with your clear accent while watching. I could understand every single word that you spoke. Thanks for sharing useful tips for driving 4wd.

[@Donslife]

Thank you for the compliment. I a pleased you enjoyed the video

[@jandkmace4952]

On my Raptor, I love using the power distribution screen when it looks scketchy. I always use 2H until ice or snow hits. Then its time to engage 4A and pull up the power distribution screen. It will show me how much power is being distributed to each wheel. As soon as the bars start to balance from the rear to the front.....esp. if I am on the highways, it is time to lay off the gas and let the truck settle down. I am able to run around with zero concern if I am being too aggressive just by being able to monitor when power is being transferred to front wheels and by how much to each wheel. It shows me before I can even feel it. I agree....I have hardly ever used 4H and don't know if I ever used 4L. (pulling a big boat off steep wet ramp would be my only situation I can think of). I agree with 100% of your post.....besides the GMC part. LOL

[@mikeryan5088]

I wish we had a Tim Hortons down here near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Love that place.

[@squeakybetz1927]

Dude, I love this video. Thanks for the info .

[@tytomlinson7831]

I have an 07 Chevy Silverado half ton. It has the auto. I love it and use it regularly here in Colorado.

[@jacklaporte472]

Good tips and info. Thanks Don!

[@CSltz]

Nice video and nice truck. This will be my second winter with my 2017 Silverado Ltz. In all honesty I had two wheel drive in my trucks before. And didn’t have that much trouble. Through the years. One thing that I would consider not doing is using the parking brake. When we lived in Michigan seems like that was just something that you didn’t do. Brakes would freeze with the salt thawing and refreezing. A block heater was a necessity. Only two seasons in Michigan…Winter and gonna be winter.! It’s not all that better here in Illinois.

[@goforgoldsproductsltd2095]

Don i lived by aspen ridge right beside your neighborhood 3 mins away I also have a 2023 tahoe rst diesel...when I watched this video the first minute I was like ,wait I know those streets and and schools..by the way good job on showing us how to use 4x4's helps me a lot specially for a beginner like me..keep it up don..stay warm out there. I'm your new subscriber..

[@Donslife]

Haha! Hello neighbor! Say hi if you see me out there!

[@goforgoldsproductsltd2095]

@@Donslife absolutely 💯 haha

[@johnhawkins3986]

Thank you for this I been looking for something like this grown man advice

[@chriserickson4417]

Take the opportunity during the snow season and put it through the numbers. Make sure all the 4WD modes work. Don't wait til the last minute to see how or if it works. Give it a work out and for myself anyway, I keep it in 4WD "Auto" during the snow season and if I'm pulling cars from the snow banks, I put it in 4WD High or Low and if I'm buried (one time I was buried so deep, I had to open the windows to get out) I go with 4WD Low. Thanks for the video!

[@sagobhago]

Just the kind of info I was looking for. Thank you

[@Donslife]

You’re welcome - Just some basic suggestions for those that may want them

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

SOLID video...great tips! I only use "AUTO" when it is raining and I need more grip. Works perfectly. Dry pavement fun question: have you noticed a performance gain when you turn off traction control, stability control (ESC), be in "SPORT" mode, and L8? For some reason, mine seems to perk up nicely and reacts faster (ie - way more fun). I have pretty much the same set up as you do (Bilstein shocks/struts, CAI, Pulsar LT, exhaust, etc-etc). I am also still running Race Fuel mix with 91-octane...huge difference in giddy-up! Stay warm Don...Tim Horton's is awesome!

[@Boobtube.]

i like the fact that Don still has that little kid inside that likes to do donuts in the snow.

[@Donslife]

Me too!

[@philncider8077]

You should keeping making this kind of video! Very helpful

[@Donslife]

Would be happy to. Anything specific you’d like to see? I might put together for my block heater and show how it works and why it is a good idea if you experience temperatures below -18°C or 0°F.

[@philncider8077]

@@Donslife absolutely! Also maybe show us how to use four wheel in the desert, trail,sand and mud!

[@clarencewhite2314]

VERY INFORMATIVE...THANKS. I'VE EXPERIENCED A MEASURE OF JERKINESS WHEN I HAVE THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TOO. 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTO is a CONVENIENCE to have,but NOT ALL TRUCKS have that setting. GOOD REVIEW.

[@Donslife]

Thank you. Each have their benefits

[@lawrencenoble8116]

We live in Florida, it rains a lot here. Me and my wife each drive four-wheel-drive trucks. On rainy days we use auto four-wheel-drive because the roads get slippery. Here in Florida all the roads flood very quickly. You need a truck that sits a little higher than cars. We feel much safer in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

May I ask why not get an AWD vehicle?

[@270raptor]

Awesome video ! Love my at4

[@Sycophantix]

Crazy I came across your video. Was looking for some extra clarity for driving my 4WD truck properly after these heavy snowfalls. Surprised to see the exact same streets that I drive through Saskatoon (University Heights / Evergreen)! Cheers!

[@Donslife]

Glad I could help!

[@stephenfox8337]

The exact video I needed today! Thanks!

[@Donslife]

You are so welcome!

[@jaysway007]

I live in sunny Florida...not a fan of snow, but found myself super jealous of 4 wheel doughnuts in the snow😉

[@Donslife]

😂 I would miss the snow for that

[@skycrew867]

Great video....thx for putting out there!

[@Na0uta]

4 auto is a nice feature I wish I had too. but for the most part, I just put it in 4h and go till I see conditions are good enough to turn it off. that jerking you feel is the binding of the gear in the case. if I feel that. I know conditions are not quite right for 4h. but when you don't feel it doing that, you might feel it slipping a bit on the wheels. that's intentional, its the gears binding enough to put power out and spin freely to avoid damaging itself.

[@DwayneDelacruz]

I always wondered what that "auto" was for 😅 thanks for the informative video brotha! 🤘🏼

[@helloguy8934]

Leaving your truck in 4wd all the time is bad for it

[@axelcastellanos6841]

Extremely helpful video. Thank you!

[@Donslife]

Absolutely. Thinking about making a winter driving tips video too

[@kenbearsley8322]

Excellent video. I live here in New Zealand, slightly different from Canada. Agree with you with the driving experience. Through winter in the south island here is very similar to Canada's winter. We do have a number of un tarsealed (gravel) roads in country areas which would suit 4 auto in summer. Possibly 4 high Through winter. I personally would leave vehicle in 4 auto for new or learner drivers through winter.

[@reallythough4591]

Hello New Zealand! Visited your paradise in early 2000. Took me a while to get used to wrong side drive, and the one at a time single lane bridges were totally new to me. Nicest people I've ever met, in the most beautiful country in the world. Rotorua is amazing.

[@kenbearsley8322]

@@reallythough4591 rotorua is a stink hole. A typical tourist trap. Nz is ok. Damed expensive for living, especially food, housing and power

[@reallythough4591]

@@kenbearsley8322 being the most volcanically active place in the world(at the time) the sulfur smell was pungent. I rented a car and did both islands. I don't remember the name of the hotel, but I remember a free drink every night at the pig and whistle. I met a couple from Norway on the first stop of my round the globe trip, in Tahiti, then picked them up again in NZ. I enjoyed every aspect of the country thoroughly, including Rotorua. Paddled down the river thru Christchurch, and rented a house on the beach in Wellington for a couple nights. The world cup yacht race was going on. NZ is spectacular. One of my fondest memories.

[@GF-zh7sv]

you're never too old for doughnuts my friend, also nice touch with the Timmies!

[@bamaknifeguy]

Every one of us truck guys have that inner teenage boy that can’t help but do donuts in an empty parking lot 😂🤘🏼 Yea Buddy !!!! Great video and very educational. Thank you. I always wondered what would happen if I accidentally hit my 4⬇️ button while driving in 2022 Silverado Trail Boss. Apparently it would give me a prompt like it did with you I imagine. I with you would included Drive Modes (off-road, sport) in conjunction with the transfer case modes to see if you saw any noticeable differences in throttle response, steering etc.

[@OMEGATHENIETZCHIAN]

This is very helpful for me. I recently got a 2018 Silverado and I've already felt some fishtailing in light rain so knowing when to put on the 4 wheel gives me a little more confidence as the snow starts to fall.

[@Donslife]

Great! This video was meant to share some basics with these systems and how I tend to use them. Right after this video we received way more snow and I was in 4Hi for 2 days. Then when things settled down and the only some slippery patches remained, I put the transmission back into Auto4WD. On a trip to a nearby community with clear roads, I put the transmission in 2WD. Each of my choices had a reason, and some people may not agree with my thought process, and that's okay. I am glad you found some value in this. Have a great day!

[@herpdederp1]

You also might want to look into better tires if your slipping during light rain just a suggestion lol.

[@denther16]

explained very well and thoroughly thank you 👍

[@Donslife]

You're welcome!

[@danieldryden542]

I have a 2020 Colorado and use auto quite often and especially in rainy conditions. Auto provides better grip and stability in wet, snowy and even in multiple curved roads.

[@jorgeguerra8045]

Great video and demonstration and great commentary and vocabulary 👍 more videos

[@Donslife]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@russcayse3054]

Don, I enjoyed your video. One thing I would clarify. You mentioned 4L having "better traction", while driving through deep snow. That is a myth, obviously gear selection cannot affect tire friction with the road surface, and in fact there are some times when selecting a higher gear can decrease the chance of tires slipping. If you are trying to climb a hill, get going from a start, etc., with very limited traction (lots of power and torque are not needed), the key is to apply very smooth and consistent power to each wheel. Internal combustion engines do not produce very smooth and consistent power, think more like impact gun than electric motor. However, the fluid coupling of the torque converter can help smooth that power out. If the vehicle is in 4H you will have to use more engine RPM to initiate movement and with that higher RPM more smoothing will take place. Also, as torque spikes come though the transmission and into the transfer case/driveline they will be less likely to break tire traction in the higher range. Try this the next time you have to get started on a very steep and slippery hill. Put it in 4L and slowly and gently apply throttle until movement is achieved, test how easy it is to not break traction and get moving. Then switch to 4H and try again, slow and smooth throttle pressure. It will be much easier to control in 4H and you will be able to get speed more quickly without breaking traction. As long as you did not overheat the trans fluid you didn't hurt anything or cause wear, you just made better use of your torque converter. The same thing can be achieved in a manual transmission to a lesser degree, use 2nd or third to limit torque spikes. Often better than 1st at getting un-stuck. Maybe not the best to do to a manual trans clutch, but if a gentle start in 2nd gets you out when 1st would not, hopefully not a significant clutch wear event. In addition, I tell drivers to be careful with those "4 auto" settings because whatever clutch or engagement device is being used to connect the front axle when rear axle slippage is detected is subject to wear or breakage. Auto 4WD is better than 4H or 4L for driving at speed around curves on slippery surfaces, because those 4H and 4L settings force the front and rear driveshafts to turn the same speed, even though the front tires travel further on a curve. That results in forced tire slippage in 4H and 4L on curves (the choppy turning you demonstrated), and could cause a vehicle to loose control on a curve in 4H or 4L that it could have successfully negotiated at the same speed in 4 auto or 2WD. But, if 4 auto is being used and the rear driveshaft very quickly increases speed (heavy throttle on ice) and then the front axle is engaged a lot of force is put on those engaging components to very quickly bring the front axle up to the same speed (possible big bang and broken parts).

[@Donslife]

Thank Russ. It was a tricky video to make while keeping it accessible to people that have never used these options, but have had them for some time. I agree with your statements too. It reminded all the times in my youth getting started in deep snow with a manual tran. Depending on the vehicle, sometimes a 3rd gear start was the smoothest way to get out.

[@lawrencemalcheff9804]

Thanks for the video. I understand now i should be in 2WD 95% of the time.I live in Northern Michigan in Boyne City. We get some good snow and ice here. I just got a 2008 Nissan Titan for a work truck. 265,000 miles. It could use a good look at the transfer case, so I am trying to baby it. This vid helped a lot.

[@Donslife]

Thank you for watching the video

[@lawrencemalcheff9804]

@@Donslife Thanks again for the content!

[@Yoyo-de5oy]

Thanks for the help!

[@gigievans395]

Very helpful 💯❤️ I purchased a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 with no owners manual unfortunately. I knew my 2000 Ford Expo like the back of my hand but this Chevy has tons of bells n whistles I'm not familiar with! This was helpful for this old school locking hubs kinda girl!

[@Donslife]

Very glad you found the video! My last truck was a 2013 Sierra Denali

[@edwardhousemaniii2732]

Look on ebay for a owners manual 😀

[@klingoncowboy4]

Excellent beginners guide. Essentially this matches my own experience. Except I have never have had issues with jerkyness mostly driving Dodges. Also my 2012 RAM doesn't need me to mess with neutral using 4 low. But the general idea of when and how to use each mode is definitely sound.

[@Donslife]

Thanks for checking out the channel, I appreciate it

[@codyhussey1461]

The ending of this video made my day wasn’t expecting it 😂

[@Donslife]

When there is snow…How could I not?

[@andydorman2119]

Thank you for this video. This is a start. I've driven dozens of vehicles over 32 years of holding a driver's license through mild climates like WA state to blizzard climates cold enough to freeze gas and propane lines. I've driven through silver thaws, etc. My dad was lovingly brutal about teaching me to drive. Driving, professionally, runs in my paternal family. I do not drive professionally, but could. It... is.... CRUCIAL... to KNOW the vehicle you're driving. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, all wheel drive, open differential, limited slip differential, locked diff, etc.. Knowing how to gear down and how to use throttle play(or not), as opposed to applying brakes, is critical. Knowing which wheels are locked by parking brake and how it is engaged and released for emergency(it just fun in open parking lot) benefit, whether by handle or by foot. MANY things to know. The afore mentioned info doesn't even start to take into account the tires/pressures on the vehicle. There are many reasons so many people, nowadays, end up in collisions or ditches in bad weather even though we have SO MANY modern luxuries and tech in our cars/trucks. I like to be the one in FULL CONTROL of the vehicle I'm driving.

[@gravyboatcaptain2292]

Bought a 2020 Ram Big Horn today. Your video has been excellent in helping me understand how this truck functions. Thanks, Don, very informative and helpful.

[@jindo6700]

Good video gives u the basics

[@Donslife]

Thank you. That was the intent

[@scotw67]

Great video! I have a 2021 Colorado ZR2 and this is great info.

[@Donslife]

Thanks. It could be more in-depth, but that could have made the video twice as long

[@scotw67]

@@Donslife I agree. I watched some of your other videos too; all applicable to my truck as well. Great job!

[@dannyo6699]

In North Dakota, we had probably similar weather as to what hit Edmondton, we got a lot of snow over a couple days and it was a couple days until the streets in my hometown in SWND were cleared. We got well around 12 inches of snowfall the first night, or 30cm. My 99 Silverado has basically the same 4X4 system as the new GMC/Chevrolet pickups have. I believe the 99 Silverado/Sierra was the first year this system was offered with the Auto 4X4 engage. However the 6.2L wasn't available at that time, mine is the 5.3L. It's also an extended cab long box so it may be slightly longer wheel base than this truck. I was able to get out both days of the storm and my wife and I did make it to work with the pickup, but I had just left it in 4X4 High, I didn't engage Auto 4X4. But being it was as cold as it was, I did start out in 4X4 Low just to maintain slow speeds. When I was out on the streets after driving for a few minutes, I did switch to 4X4 High to complete the drive to work, and we got around just fine. I'd have no concerns about using Auto 4X4 but due to the conditions, I decided to just run 4X4. We usually don't get a huge amount of snow this early in the season, but sometimes it does happen. I guess it was just our turn this year. Great explanation of how and when to use the system. Too bad you didn't have some deep snow to drive it through to more accurately demonstrate how to use the system and why depending on conditions.

[@Donslife]

I am sure I could do a follow up at some point…

[@dannyo6699]

@@Donslife Yea, we could have a lot of winter this season yet.

[@mtower235]

Good video because I got zero explanation of what “auto” was or was for when I got my trail boss. I did use it last winter once as it started to ice and snow.

[@tomrunning357]

Auto FWD is helpful for those icy overpasses that catch you off guard especially when pulling a trailer. The wobbling in the front end is the ujoints binding up from the extreme turning angle.

[@animefan7931]

The wobble is from a locked differential. Both wheels are trying to spin at the same speed. The outside tire cannot spin at the same speed as the inside tire though a sharp turn when the diff is locked. Has nothing to do with the u-joints. If this was the case my FWD Prius, and every FWD vehicle would have binding issues with tight turns. Also, it's Auto 4WD not Auto FWD

[@Jerryswar]

Best post so far … thank you sir…

[@Donslife]

Most welcome

[@donvoll2580]

Good day from Ontario. I had 2013 gm 4 wheel lever manual. Bought 2019 & it has buttons like yours. That auto is good art corners but on straight away, I think it is fooling you, by staying in 2 drive u are alittle more aware of road conditions. Thanks good video.

[@lazy_503_9]

very true on the lift kit explanation. From experience

[@Donslife]

Thank you for checking out the video and dropping a comment!

[@mikerayle6103]

Michigan guy I've only used auto a handful of times. I mostly do 55 or 70 not much in town driving. The times I've used auto where was when the roads have just started to melt and make slush but there are patches of only wet pavement if they are covered in snow and ice I'll keep it in 4h especially since I'm not making hard turns if that's the case I'll put it in 2wd. It really boils down to experience I have rarely maybe 2 times decided 4 low was appropriate. Lots of variables though tires and condition are the biggest. It is important for young drivers or people not used to driving in snow and if someone has bought a new vehicle to pick a parking lot and see how it handles as well.

[@Donslife]

I agree man

[@golferpro1241]

Nice video. Looks pretty with the snow. I like the truck

[@Donslife]

Glad you like it

[@chrismair8161]

My first 4 by4 came with wise words. (She will not stop faster Son. Leave room.) My Grandfather had so many wise words.

[@krnwhitlow]

Nice truck thanks for the advice

[@ndemarco26]

This is a great video! I recently got my first truck (2018 Silverado LTZ Z71) and took it out with the recent snow storm in upstate NY. Most of this info regarding the transfer case was unbeknownst to me, but i assumed 4H was for fast speeds and 4L is for low speed situations. Well I was using 4H and turning felt super jerky, truck was also very noisy. Well the roads i were driving on were mostly down to the pavement and there wasn’t much snow/ice. I did some research because i thought something was wrong with the truck.. came across your video and i have to say thanks for a simple informative explanation. I will now just stay in 2wd or use auto when coming across these situations. I was using 4H when the roads had too much transaction, causing a bit of a binding in the drivetrain.

[@Donslife]

Glad there was some useful info there! Auto is okay too if you need to leave it on for intermittent periods throughout the day. You just wouldn’t want to leave it on when 2wd would be perfectly safe

[@ndemarco26]

@@Donslife 🤙🏼right on man good stuff

[@rli720]

@@Donslife Question man!!!' How fast can u go in auto!?!!?????

[@Donslife]

As fast as your tires are rated. Going highway speeds is not an issue

[@billredding2000]

I wish I had 4-Auto in my Jeep, but most of them didn't come with it (it was an option) and I got my Jeep off the lot so it came as-is. But that's okay, I have other "off-road & inclement weather" capabilities so it's no big deal. The tires are OEM/factory (33" Falken Wildpeak AT3W) and they seem to do well in the snow. Never had an occasion (serious) where I needed 4L (not into the hard-core 4x4ing scene), but I do use it occasionally on dirt/gravel forest/fire roads just to "exercise" it even if 4L isn't needed on them -- AND drive very slowly....not to mention avoiding sharp turns (or turning at all) to avoid crow-hopping (and excessive drive-train wear or possible drive-train damage). However, PUTTING it in 4 low is kind of an art...not at all easy like a push-button and sometimes several tries are needed (could be just me though even following Jeep's instructions). So most of the time I'm in 2H, and when it snows -- and covers the road or there's only occasional pavement -- I put it in 4H just for a bit more traction for safety/stability. But I NEVER drive very fast in 4H, so keep it slow & steady, especially in a white-out blizzards Colorado sometimes get and I'm caught in one while out & about. BTW, nice house & neighborhood there (Canada). "Jeep Wave" ...even though you don't have a Jeep. ;-) -- BR

[@mahidikarif2123]

I need to cancel my warranty claim now. I was running my truck in 4Hi due to the snow, but I didn't understand why my truck was jerking while turning the wheel. I thought I was having an engine problem. What a relief this is for me. Thank you so much for explaining this. This has helped me tremendously.

[@Donslife]

You’re welcome. Glad it helped

[@colleenkirkpatrick670]

Hi Don, thank you for a great video! I have new Bridgestone Bizzaks on my 2022 Elevation and find I'm always slipping and sliding. Any recommendations?

[@Donslife]

@@colleenkirkpatrick670 you’re welcome. If you are on a lot of snow and ice, you could lower the pressure in your tires about 10% of their recommended pressure. Keep in mind they will grip better but also wear down a bit faster on dry roads. Especially at high speed. Blizzacks are great tires. If they have the ability for studs, you could get those added too.

[@colleenkirkpatrick670]

Thank you Don. I'll give that a try with lowering the tire pressure.😀

[@colleenkirkpatrick670]

@@Donslife unfortunately they're a studies winter tire

[@user-xn6cx6lm4o]

very good instruction and helpful insights

[@Donslife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

I don’t know why I wasted 20 min as I already know this stuff, But that’s a testament to your ability to present the information well. Great video for folks who don’t know these things and nice truck. Cheers!

[@Doc1855]

Last January we had a big snow storm (3ft in 10 hours). We already had 2 ft on the ground, so I had to dig down to open the door on my pickup. I put it in 4 low and literally pushed the snow with my bumper and tailgate to get out so I could wait for the road to be plowed to get to town. I was surprised that my Ranger was able to do it. But I suppose that’s why we’re on our 4th Ranger. Their just good durable mid sized pickup’s. That was the only time I had it in 4low

[@Donslife]

I loved my Ranger too. Too small for my lifestyle now

[@PeteNice29]

Engaged 4HI on freshly covered and untreated roads. Once the salt was down and traffic chopped it up, went back to auto.

[@BenotzJoe]

Watching this on 2x playback speed is absolutely terrifying. As others mentioned, 4 Low is not for snow or mud. It's generally for terrain that is so rough that you cannot go slow enough in high range to avoid bouncing all over the place. Most people never need to worry about using it.