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New Delhi: It took most tourists in the Himalayan region by surprise to face the inundated amount of snow that came in the later months of January. Nobody was prepared to have fresh snowfall this late and that did mean we saw a lot of risky maneuvers and videos of cars crashing into each other.

This did get me thinking on how important the drivetrains of cars are whilst you combat snow. In the Indian market you have the likes of so many options in the three powertrains. Quite a lot of these can be directly distinguished as an off-roader.  Here’s a look at the drivetrains and what cars you have and what to do if stuck.

• Mahindra Bolero

• Mahindra Bolero Neo

• Mahindra Thar (including Roxx variants)

• Mahindra Scorpio Classic

• Mahindra Scorpio N (RWD variants)

• Isuzu D-Max pickup (RWD)

• Toyota Fortuner (4×2 RWD variants)

• Toyota Innova Crysta (frame-based RWD)

• Tata Harrier EV (base rear-motor RWD variant) 

When it comes to drivertrains, the RWD is the one that should be avoided the most in snowy conditions. What RWD does is send all power to the back wheels and is completely for performance oriented. It makes the car jump off the line immediately, and that means it is good for a race track. 

Without proper winter tyres though, RWD in the winter is a bit of a hoachpoach and especially so if you don’t have good driving experience in the snow, and you could have a lot of fishtailing since the wheel in motion isn’t the one steering the car’s direction. If you do find yourself sliding with an RWD, then the first thing to remember is that excessive throttle will only worsen the traction. 

A #viralvideo from #HimachalPradesh’s #Manali shows several #cars skidding and struggling for control on snow-covered roads amid heavy #snowfall. #snow pic.twitter.com/iXT2hRhpwb

— News9 (@News9Tweets)

• To correct your course, straighten the wheel, which helps the back tyres to regain traction. It is always recommended to apply very gentle throttles. 
• You can also shovel or kick snow out from both the back and front of the tyres. 
• You can add weight at the rear axle with luggage and even passengers at the back. 
• Decrease tyre pressure by about 5-8 psi as it increases point contact and can help you crawl out easier.
• You can also use traction aids like floor mats, cardboard, branches, or gravel.

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AWD

• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder AWD

• Hyundai Tucson HTRAC AWD

• Mahindra XUV700 AWD

• Mahindra XUV 7XO AWD

• Tata Harrier EV AWD

• Jeep Compass Trailhawk (AWD)

• Maruti Suzuki e Vitara AWD (upcoming/rolling out) 

• Mahindra Thar 4×4/AWD

• Mahindra Thar Roxx 4×4/AWD

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4×4

• Force Gurkha 4×4

• Mahindra Scorpio-N 4×4

• Toyota Fortuner 4×4

• Jeep Meridian 4×4

• Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 4×4

• Land Rover Defender 4×4

• Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4

When it comes to any off-roading terrains, All-Wheel Drive is kind of a jack of all trades as the power is sent to all four wheels when required by a centre differential. Some vehicles, of course, have the option to switch between AWD and 2WD in the drive mode settings. AWD can handle snow pretty well on regular tyres, and of course, for best performance, it is recommended to come with all-season tyres. It doesn’t need driver intervention.

Four-wheel drive is often the ones you get in things like pickup trucks and SUVs. The wheel sends power to all wheels at once for better traction, torque and control upon a rugged surface. It employs a transfer case to distribute power between the back and front axles. Options usually are 2H (2 High), which is the standard mode, 4A (4 Automatic) or 4H (4 High) is best for snowy and muddy roads. The most extreme mode is in 4 L (4 Low), best for traversing through heavy snow and mud.

Jimny seems to be everywhere in the snow these days. Simple, light, no drama machines just doing the job in the harshest terrain. Thar is capable too no doubt, but in snow it is the driver’s skill that matters more. Buying a 4×4 does not mean it will drive itself .

📍Manali pic.twitter.com/y1uLyw1JHS

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini)

What to do if stuck in snow with an AWD or 4/4

• Most important steps are not to spin wheels but controlled momentum, check which wheel have best grip and if you are centred and ensure if exhaust is clear of snow.
• Unless you are in deep snow, engage in 4H/AWD Snow mode. Engage 4L in deep snow or a steep incline
• Lock centre differential if available and turn traction control off or to partial model if available. 
• Of course, other tips would be to deflate tyres and possibly use manual mode or second gear if applicable.
• Once unstuck, re-engage traction control and inflate tyres to correct pressure.

FWD SUVs and Subcompact SUVs

• Tata Punch — compact city SUV (FWD)

• Tata Nexon — compact SUV (FWD)

• Hyundai Venue — compact SUV (FWD)

• Kia Sonet — sub-compact SUV (FWD)

• Renault Kiger — sub-compact SUV (FWD)

• Nissan Magnite — sub-compact SUV (FWD)

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza — compact SUV (FWD)

• Maruti Suzuki Fronx — crossover (FWD)

Front-wheel drive is one of the most common drivetrains usually found in cars, including in hatchbacks, saloons and even subcompact SUVs. The power goes directly to the front wheels, and is easier to handle the weight of the car as the weight is on the front axle. 

A shocking video from #Manali, #HimachalPradesh, has gone #viral showing a man risking his life to stop a car that began sliding towards a gorge on a snow-covered road. #snowfall pic.twitter.com/GCdVOuiLV8

— News9 (@News9Tweets)

What to do if stuck in snow with FWD

• Ease of throttle and avoid wheel spin as it digs the front tyres deeper and creates ice or ruts.
• Keep the tyres straight as they get most traction and only turn when the car is moving.
• Remove snow, mud, or stones from the front wheel and keep the path behind clean as well.
• Have very minimal acceleration inputs and start in second gear or in manual mode for less torque.

Of course, despite all the tips, you are always better off calling for help, especially when you find yourself in any car making little progress or making matters go worse. The best way to go forward is with preventive measures, which include turning off traction control temporarily if it is cutting power quite aggressively. It is advisable to be equipped with things like snow chains, tyre cable chains, or tyre cleats.