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does anybody use their auto 4wd?

Just to add a little bit of experience with a different vehicle....I just traded in a 2002 Bravada (similar to trailblazer) for my 2004 Avy and it had the Stabilitrak AWD system, so basically full time auto 4wd. I never had any problems with it and we get a lot of snow in Upstate NY. The biggest downside to Auto 4wd is that if you are going around a corner and lose traction, the back end can still kick out a bit. It never bothered me because I used to have a camaro and can easily control it, but I can see where it could freak some people out. Its only a matter of one or two seconds before all four wheels grip though.

Anyway, that is just my 2 cents.
 
SabreXray and GreatWhite496 are absolutely right!  When I had my '02 Z71, I used the AWD when driving in heavy rains where it tended to cavitate in standing water.  It really does help you to maintain control.  My '07 LTZ is 2WD and while I miss that AWD feature, the traction control seems to be a good alternative to those conditions.
 
Rocky07 said:
SabreXray and GreatWhite496 are absolutely right!  When I had my '02 Z71, I used the AWD when driving in heavy rains where it tended to cavitate in standing water.  It really does help you to maintain control.  My '07 LTZ is 2WD and while I miss that AWD feature, the traction control seems to be a good alternative to those conditions.

4 wheel drive would seem like a waste to me in Texas. I have never used any type of 4WD in rains (other than my Bravada because I had no choice) and I have never had problems. I used to have a Wrangler and a Z28 that I always drove in the rain as well and never had issues.

 
I personally like my auto with my Tahoe anyways...I had an 2wd one first and it had the traction control, but the auto 4wd works much better.  I use it in heavy rain and light snow.

Same with our Av.
 
I use it on the days where its raining and snowing at the same time or on cold rainy days.  I figured why take the chance and get into an accident when you have the option at a push of a button.  You'd be kicking your youself if you did get into a minor accident.  I only use my 4wd on heavy snow days.  Well worth the extra money for the 4x4 option (y).
 
I find it useful when traveling at 100 plus in a heavy downpour.  Without it the truck was pretty unstable at that speed in those conditions.  Sometimes I just go all out and put it in full time 4wd, as sportred said why not use it if you have it.  Drive safe.
 
I use it in rain and snow and everytime I leave the street.

I only switch to 4 hi or 4 lo when I get in trouble with Auto4wd or when its really muddy.
 
Use it when it rains and when it's snowing lightly or ice on ground, when i purchased my 91 blazer it had a tape in the glove box (cassette) on how and when to use 4/w drive very informative
                                                                (y) (y) (y)
 
I used to use it all the time when I first bought the AVA, When I found out you lose about 1-2 MPG i switched over to 2 wheel only.
 
I usually use it when it is pouring and in light snow. It helps.
 
SamHouseIII said:
I used to use it all the time when I first bought the AVA, When I found out you lose about 1-2 MPG i switched over to 2 wheel only.

how does it drop your mpg if it never switches over to 4 wheel drive?  I guess i could see where it would drop if it did switch.
 
SamHouseIII said:
I used to use it all the time when I first bought the AVA, When I found out you lose about 1-2 MPG i switched over to 2 wheel only.

That's what happened with me and the auto climate control.  I believe the manual said just leave the AC button on and it would automatically run when needed.  Well that put a dent in the fuel mileage also, now I just hit the AC button when I need to cool the interior.
 
I use mine if the weather dictates. Intermittent slippery roads from snow, ice or rain.
 
kiser02av said:
how does it drop your mpg if it never switches over to 4 wheel drive?  I guess i could see where it would drop if it did switch.
Because it locks the front axle in. The added resistance with the axles shaft spinning contribute to loss of MPG...although 2 MPG seems quite excessive. I can see .5 MPG.
 
I select Auto 4wd when I'm in a "just in case" scenario. I used it this weekend while driving some of the off road trails around Ocotillo Wells. My understanding is that it has the front diff on standby, essentially, and will engage it as needed. It recently rained out here, and some of the sandy trails were a little mushy. I could hear and feel it engaging a few times. It's a nice feature to have when you don't really need 4H, but you might need something more than 2H. Before I owned my Avy, I thought it was a little gimmicky on other models, but after having used it, I'm a believer.
 
I use it whenever the roads are partially covered with snow. Works great, especially going up hills or taking off from a stop. If the roads are completely covered, I usually put it in 4 High. But if there is some pavement still showing, 4 Auto.
 
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