All-wheel-drive and low traction

[isquat]

My apologies for the miscommunication. When I said "gearing down to slow
the car" I was talking about downshifting for the sake of engine breaking,
not added torque.

I think you're better off using regular brakes to slow down
because you're much more likely to be smooth with them
then by using engine braking. Then when you're in the boost-free
zone on a car with a turbo downshift. Does it make any sense?

 

[Ray]

Right. That is why you should let up on the throttle if you start to break
loose and lose traction.

unless you're already sideways...

 

[Sammi]

The power is actually going to the wheels with more traction. Say your rear wheels on ice and
slip power will go to front to pull the car out of the situation. No point to direct power to
slipping wheel which will spin all the time. Same apply to left and right.

 

[DS]

Your last statement is not necessarily true. The only way it can apply power
to the non-slipping wheel left to right is if you have an LSD (limited slip
differential). I'm not sure there are any Subarus with a front LSD.

No LSD: one front wheel and one rear wheel on ice - you're stuck
Rear LSD: one front wheel and both rear wheels on ice - you're stuck
Front and rear LSD: you won't get stuck

My OB does not have a rear LSD. My old Talon AWD did. The difference was
noticeable.

DS