So, I will admit I dont know a lot about cars. I have a 2010 G37x (love it) and live in Wisconsin. We havent had a lot of snow but I have had several opportunities to play around in the snow. AWD works great.

My question is: Do you add any extra wear and tear by purposefully engaging the AWD and traction control ... and if so, what parts are involved? (e.g., do the brakes engage more when the wheels spin). Just curious if I should tone down the playing around in the snow (I only do this in a wide open parking lot or a culdasac in my neighborhood).

Thanks guys

 

As all good snow players know, only play on known territory. The most harm is done by the hidden curb that takes out some body work or tie rod mid-doughnut.

The car is there to be used and the occasional fun shouldn't put enough wear on it that you would notice. The average new car buyer doesn't keep their car long enough. I tend to treat my cars like I will keep them forever, but end up upgrading regularly. I should really be getting my money's worth instead. That's what I get for being raised by parents that keep their cars forever...

 

I dont really think you are putting too much extra stress on the car. I think whenever the traction control kicks in, it uses the rear brakes. So I guess if you had the traction control light on a lot due to the way you were driving, your rear brake pads might need to be changed sooner. Other then that, I dont think much could go wrong. Like the other poster said though...make sure you know how the land looks when there is NO snow before having fun. Other then that...ENJOY!