FWD in the mountains?

[ga1322]

Has anybody driven their T in the mountains? I’m talking steep inclines. I’ve been up in Gatlinburg this weekend, saw 2 other T’s around town. I opted for fwd because 99% of my driving will be on flat highways and it makes no sense to lose the mpg and add the mechanics of AWD. But of course, the first week I have my T I drive it to the steepest inclines of the smokies. It’s handled really well except when the roads were wet. But whenever I get parked at my cabin after climbing the steep roads, there is an odor coming from the car. It’s not burning rubber from the tires, but smells similar. My guess is from the strain on the engine/transmission? Anyone else experienced this?

 

[JPMoe]

Yes, a new 2021 AWD with 1,600 miles. Also used in vacation in Tennessee. Same weird smell after a climb. I don’t know.

 

[Senator20]

fwd and awd vehicles drive the same on paved roads no matter how steep.

 

[Tellthemride]

Pretty sure my AWD gave off a burning smell during the first week as well.

Likely new parts burning off whatever coatings they have during manufacturing. If it lasts longer than a week or two, then it would be cause for concern.

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[qwikhit]

Had the same smell on my FWD for about two weeks maybe a little less.

 

[RockBamson]

We drove our FWD up into the mountains a couple weeks ago here in SoCal, right when we were getting blasted by 2+ feet of snow. Chains were required from 10am when we climbed the mountain, through the day, and then on the return ~8 hour trip down the mountain. No issues whatsoever climbing on icy roads or even idling in completely stopped traffic for hours at a time.

 

[V_Antonini]

We drove our FWD up into the mountains a couple weeks ago here in SoCal, right when we were getting blasted by 2+ feet of snow. Chains were required from 10am when we climbed the mountain, through the day, and then on the return ~8 hour trip down the mountain. No issues whatsoever climbing on icy roads or even idling in completely stopped traffic for hours at a time.

What kind of chains did you use? Going to Big Bear in a week and looking for the right thing that is durable, but also fits the clearance issues in the wheel wells and won't damage the car. Thanks

 

[RockBamson]

What kind of chains did you use? Going to Big Bear in a week and looking for the right thing that is durable, but also fits the clearance issues in the wheel wells and won't damage the car. Thanks

It was a set of peerless from walmart, the "cable chains" though, not the actual chain links. They are very easy to install since there is plenty of clearance in the wheel well. Use the tire size to find the correct chains (I'm not sure which wheels you have).

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