AWD best in reverse? 2003 V70 2.5T AWD

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 20 Jan 2018, 09:15

Hi helpful folks.
I've red what I can on my issue, and I'm in a possible jam presently.
Winter week-end getaway in hilly Quebec, getting to chalet was near impossible.
Yes there was ice under the snow, nothing I haven't dealt with before. 4 winter tires.
Two adult daughters in back seat, wife and I in front.
Car would not climb a grade (winter mode) without spinning all 4 wheels.
Back down, try to take a bit of a run at it, nope.
Finally made it up the grade on my second try in reverse!
What am I not understanding?
Why could I only get up the grade in reverse gear?

BEFORE we leave our week-end retreat (yes we came down similar grades to the chalet)- Im asking any advice or help understanding this, and how to navigate out going forward (avoiding possible incoming vehicles)-on what or how to deal with this.

Thanks in advance.

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 20 Jan 2018, 09:20

2003 v70 2.5t AWD automatic. Btw.

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 20 Jan 2018, 18:49

Ok then, clearly I've stumped the members, never mind, weather warmed to a couple degrees above freezing, took the car out t o meet a challenge and it was fine up icy grades. No idea what happened last night, exceot it was more than a tad daunting. I notice almost 30 views from my op, with nary a suggestion or comment.
I've been a Volvo owner since 1971, (mostly wagons) and had pretty much every model going-my favourite being the 122 wagon.
Never been let down or perplexed until yesterday, which is why I felt the need to reach out here.

Post by **ljsommar** » 20 Jan 2018, 20:05

I think going up in reverse puts more weight over the front wheels which will give the best traction. I have experienced the same thing on my driveway with water over ice.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jan 2018, 08:08

More likely you just found a better track the time You went up backwards.

There is a lot of expertise here but those folks don’t live in this forum, they are out enjoying their Volvos

Post by **jonesg** » 21 Jan 2018, 08:32

ljsommar wrote: ↑20 Jan 2018, 20:05 I think going up in reverse puts more weight over the front wheels which will give the best traction. I have experienced the same thing on my driveway with water over ice.

Yeh that.
My bet is weight distribution.
I was going to buy some zip tie plastic emergency chains, couldnt find them anywhere and havent needed them.so..

Post by **oragex** » 21 Jan 2018, 18:02

I remember driving a RWD back in the days, when I couldn't climb a hill, I would get a better chance climbing in reverse.

Without having been there, I'd place a bet on a combination of rear tires with more thread/less wear and, as already mentioned, a less slippery surface when you went backwards. You already mention ice covered by snow, which is already very slippery at temps near the freezing poibt, I'm surprised you even made in going backwards. Even Awd with quality winter tires (assuming not studed) won't climb a steep incline on ice.

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 23 Jan 2018, 15:18

yup to those answers.
although I did question the ratio between inertia and mass, and how it would make any difference if 4 wheels were turning...

Here's my personal conclusion, which will come as no surprise to AWD owners
(this is my first, and I only got it a year ago-ya I buy older cars)
it came with 4 "decent" tires on the alloy rims.

In this country, we have snow, lots of it, so we put snow tires on (spare set of rims) .
I get a 10% discount on my insurance if i have 4 snow tires on, in some provinces- it's law.

Anyways, previous FWD cars, it wouldn't matter if there was some difference (not huge) between the tire size.
I have a matched set on the front, and a matched set on the back.
with AWD drive vehicles it DOES matter that all four tires must be matched.

So I'm going with that solution, as i have now put the alloy rims with the tires back on the car (all matched).
I've done a good deal of research, and evidently the V70 AWD (3rd generation) is a very very good design.
Thanks for the help here, I do learn a lot by reading posts, first time poster.
Nice folks around here.....

Post by **abscate** » 23 Jan 2018, 18:04

a FWD Volvo with snows on all four will be fine on any road unless it's ice in which case nothing short of chains or studs will help.

Post by **June** » 23 Jan 2018, 18:36

oragex wrote: ↑21 Jan 2018, 18:02 I remember driving a RWD back in the days, when I couldn't climb a hill, I would get a better chance climbing in reverse.

Without having been there, I'd place a bet on a combination of rear tires with more thread/less wear and, as already mentioned, a less slippery surface when you went backwards. You already mention ice covered by snow, which is already very slippery at temps near the freezing poibt, I'm surprised you even made in going backwards. Even Awd with quality winter tires (assuming not studed) won't climb a steep incline on ice.

Yes I was taught this too. It was explained to me that reverse was a lower gear than 1st and that was the difference. June