What could go wrong?
This YouTube video seems like yet another bizarre experiment by the Garage 54 crew. This home-brewed four wheel-drive idea is somewhat of an urban legend. It’s simple: attach a rope to a tire or wheel, and then use the vehicle’s own power to winch yourself out or send power to other wheels.
The team turned their attention once more to the helpless in order to make it happen. Lada It was fitted with special wheels covered in steel cable. The front wheels are equipped with cable until all-wheel drive is required. At that point, the cables are connected the the rear wheels. Rear-wheel-drive Ladas allow the rear wheels to pull the cable from the front. This causes them to turn. This is theoretically true.
Yes, it has many issues. Not the least of these being that it works only with a locking differential. It doesn’t work moving forward and your range is limited by the amount of cable you have. Torque steer can also have a minor problem, particularly if the cables aren’t tightened at the same. As you can see, the force can literally take the wheel out of the driver’s hands.
What else can you see in this video? It works. The Lada becomes stuck in deep snow. Luckily, the cables are connected and the car is able to free itself multiple times. The torque steer can break fingers if not used properly, and there is the problem of winding the cable back after you’re done. This urban automotive myth falls under the confirmed category.
It’s safe and practical, but it’s not feasible. This means that you should not attempt it at home.