If you live in Gulfport, Mississippi, you’ll know that the city is prone to tropical storms. Wet roads and floods that result from these storms can make driving challenging and dangerous. To ensure safety in tropical weather, a vehicle with an excellent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, such as a Cadillac, is a great option. Let’s find out how Cadillac’s advanced AWD system can help you stay safe in tropical storms.
Overview of Tropical Storms in Gulfport
Home to beautiful beaches, resorts, and golf courses, Gulfport is one of the top tourist destinations in Mississippi. Nonetheless, its location along the Gulf Coast makes it vulnerable to tropical storms. Hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal surges, and inland floods have long plagued the city. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 2005 resulted in unprecedented damage that still affects the local community.
Tropical storms create a myriad of hazards for Gulfport drivers. Heavy rain can cause reduced visibility, slippery driving conditions, and flooding, while strong winds can leave fallen trees, branches, rocks, and other debris on roads. These hazards can make you more prone to accidents.
What Is an AWD System?
AWD is a drivetrain system that feeds power from the engine to all four wheels simultaneously. Compared to front- or rear-wheel drive, it helps your vehicle move forward better on rain-slicked or muddy roads. The system controls the speed of each wheel independently, so it can make the inboard wheels rotate more slowly during cornering. This makes your car feel more planted and composed around turns and along curvy roads.
In most vehicles, an AWD system transfers torque between the front and rear axles, often functioning as two-wheel drive to improve fuel efficiency. If one or both of the driven wheels show signs of slippage, it starts distributing power to all four wheels.
Cadillac’s Advanced AWD Technology
Featuring a twin-clutch design, Cadillac’s innovative AWD system delivers optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions and improves stability in dry weather. It’s available in almost every new Cadillac model, including the CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, LYRIQ, and OPTIQ.
With the twin-clutch design, Cadillac’s AWD can transfer up to 100% of torque from the engine to either the front or rear wheels. Moreover, it comes with an electronically controlled rear differential that can distribute all torque to either rear wheel. This can help improve stability when there’s more water or mud on one side of the road than the other.
Another unique feature of the AWD system of Cadillacs is that it’s driver controlled. The system has a “disconnect” function that allows you to disable the rear drive unit. Leaving your vehicle in two-wheel-drive mode can increase your gas mileage and reduce your carbon footprint.
Other than cutting-edge AWD technology, Cadillac also equips its performance-oriented V-Series models with an electronic limited-slip differential. This system sends power to the rear wheel with a better grip, giving you more control while cornering or performing spirited maneuvers. Using an array of sensors, it’s capable of detecting and preventing wheelspin before it occurs.
Cadillac vehicles are also fitted with an advanced traction control system called StabiliTrak. StabiliTrak works with wheel speed sensors to determine your intended path. If it senses that your vehicle is about to lose control, it either reduces engine power or applies brakes to specific wheels to help you stay on course. This system can be a lifesaver when driving in tropical weather conditions.
How AWD Improves Safety During Tropical Storms
During tropical storms, AWD can enhance your safety in several ways. By improving traction on wet and slippery surfaces, it makes your vehicle less likely to skid or roll over around corners or at high speeds. It also decreases the risk of hydroplaning, which is a relatively common hazard in tropical weather. Furthermore, AWD makes it easier to bring your car to a complete stop in emergency situations. This can help prevent collisions with trees and branches that fall onto the road due to strong winds.
With bad visibility and unpredictable conditions, driving in tropical storms can be unsettling. While it doesn’t directly improve driving conditions, AWD can boost your confidence and peace of mind behind the wheel. As a result, you’re more likely to make better driving decisions during severe weather.
Why Gulfport Drivers Should Choose Cadillac’s AWD Vehicles
AWD Cadillacs are top choices if you’re a Gulfport driver who prioritizes safety. With their superior stability and traction, these vehicles provide a worry-free driving experience in all kinds of weather conditions, from sunshine to tropical storms. Even performance-focused Cadillac models are exceedingly safe. Equipped with advanced traction control systems and strong brakes, they always give you absolute control and confidence.
What’s more, Cadillac models are fitted with lots of driver-assistance technologies to make your journeys even easier and safer. These systems can make you more aware of your surroundings while driving. This means you can react quickly to any potential dangers in your vicinity. During emergencies, they may also take over certain driving tasks, such as braking or steering, to prevent collisions.
Examples of driver aids found in Cadillac vehicles include blind-zone steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic braking, pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and automated parking assistance. There’s also the state-of-the-art Super Cruise hands-free driving system that delivers a next-generation driving experience.
Test-Drive an AWD Cadillac at Turan Foley Cadillac
If you want to experience Cadillac’s powerful AWD system in Gulfport, Mississippi, we invite you to drop by our Turan Foley Cadillac dealership for a test-drive. Featuring a fully stocked Cadillac inventory, we can help you drive home a suitable AWD Cadillac model that provides maximum protection in tropical storms. Our experienced and knowledgeable auto experts can give you a tour of our extensive Cadillac inventory, arrange a test-drive for you, and help you select your perfect ride. Feel free to contact us if you need more information or want to schedule a visit.
2023 Cadillac LYRIQ by spe.automotive is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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