Where and When to Use Four Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive is a fantastic feature to have on your truck or SUV, particularly if you take your vehicle into the beautiful mountains throughout our state. Yet, heading into the Sandias or Sangre de Cristos has the potential to put you on sketchy gravel and dirt, climbing over rocks, or traveling across snow, especially this time of the year. If you’re lucky enough to own a Dodge model such as our four-wheel drive Durango, then you’ve got all you need to hit the mountains around New Mexico this winter- but just when should you use your four-wheel drive capabilities? And where? Melloy Dodge has the answers for you!

Four-wheel drive is designed to give your tires extra grip on sketchy surfaces by applying more torque to the surface beneath you. If you’re traveling on the highways around Albuquerque and encounter snowy, wet, or icy conditions, shifting into four-high is a good bet to get you to your destination without harm. Four-high is ideal for this environment because it allows you to travel at normal speeds without compromising your safety.

Hitting some ultra-challenging terrain in your four wheel drive RAM truck? Shifting into four-low can give you an edge when it comes to the most serious roads, or where there are no roads, for that matter. The low range is for slower speeds (usually under 40 mph) and gives you the most traction when you need it- in deep sand, snow, or mud, when crossing water, going up very steep inclines, or when climbing rocks.

If you’re rocking a newer Dodge model, whether it is a RAM 2500 or the versatile Durango, you will have automatic four-wheel drive settings. This modern convenience is great for when roads are variable, or you are unsure of what setting is right for the terrain. You can simply set it and forget it and the automated function will take care of things for you.

Remember, shifting into four-wheel drive isn’t always necessary and using it can result in lower gas mileage, but when the going gets tough, it is a fantastic tool to make sure you arrive at your destination quickly and safely. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for guidance on the specifics of your four-wheel drive system, and don’t take unnecessary risks on the road this winter- some conditions are too dangerous even for four-wheel drive. Ready to invest in a new four-wheel drive vehicle to take you to all of New Mexico’s scenic destinations? Stop in at Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque to take a look at our SUV and truck models and get out there!

Top Road Trip Destinations in New Mexico

Winter may be nearly here, but there is a little time to sneak in one last road trip around our great state. We’re lucky enough to be centrally located in Albuquerque, making visiting beautiful destinations as easy as a day trip in any direction. With so much to see, you may even want to extend your stay and take a whole weekend for maximum relaxation. At Melloy Dodge we appreciate the fact that a car is meant to take you places- the more scenic the better. Here’s the rundown of some of our favorite places around the state to make a trip to.

The road north from Albuquerque is always a visual pleaser, as you head up to the big mountains around Santa Fe and Taos. Santa Fe, our historic and artsy state capital offers road trippers from Albuquerque the opportunity to catch the latest exhibit at the multitude of galleries, or enjoy some of the ever changing cultural events around the city. You can take the express route up I-25, or the historic El Camino Real and experience the path that ancient traders sojourned on, whether you’re going for speed or style, a Dodge Dart is a good choice for fuel efficiency.

For those heading a little farther, Taos is a fantastic city to spend some quality time in. For the outdoor minded, just outside the city there is excellent hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Every season offers a different perspective on the epic scenery here. Depending how far off the beaten path and into the mountains you’re headed, a vehicle built for rugged terrain is ideal. The Dodge Journey, a Crossover that really pulls its weight, can take you down the dirt roads of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with ease.

Ready to hit the road and south? Pack the whole family in a Grand Caravan and get going! For students of science, the Very Large Array, on the Plains of San Agustin outside of Socorro is an excellent place to take in a little information about the universe. Keep headed south and west, and visit the village of Ruidoso, a scenic little town right next door to the expansive Lincoln National Forest. While you’re there, winter sports fanatics can hit some of the best slopes in the state. After your stop in Ruidoso, press on a little further for completely different scenery at White Sands National Monument, a truly one of a kind landscape of white sand dunes formed by impressive gypsum deposits.

Cold Weather Driving Tips

As the nights, and even the days, start to turn cold in Albuquerque, we know winter isn’t far behind. With the dramatic weather of last season- polar vortexes and all- it is important to be well prepared. Melloy Dodge wants to make sure that you and your passengers are warm, but more importantly, safe when you hit the roads this winter, so we’ve compiled some tips to get you ready!

When the snow settles on the Sandias, it is a good idea to give your car a thorough examine to make sure it is in tip-top shape. Since your tires are your point of contact with the road, make sure that there is plenty of tread on each, and consider having them rotated. If you plan to make lots of trips into the mountains this season, you may even want to consider snow tires for maximum traction and safety on those twisting roads. Purchase a tire gauge and regularly check the air levels of your tires in order to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Despite our relatively mild winters, our city, and many places around the state, will see snow. When you hit the roads in these less than ideal conditions, make sure to avoid using cruise control and take your time when braking and accelerating. Cleaning your headlights can also increase your visibility and help you see everything on the road.

Of course, prepare for the worst, just in case you’re stranded in cold weather. A few items tossed in your trunk now can prove invaluable if this happens- extra warm clothing layers, a flashlight, and a blanket- are good items to keep with you as you drive this winter. As always, a fully charged cellphone can help you avoid disaster in any weather.

For extra comfort, you may even want to consider installing a remote starter kit so that you can warm up your car without even bothering to toss on your shoes and jacket to start it up with your key. Right now we’re offering 15% off remote starter kits in anticipation of the approaching winter months, so get one installed before the temperatures dip!

Do you have questions about prepping your vehicle for cold weather? Need some maintenance taken care of? Give us a call and we’ll help you prepare!