Beyond Winter: Why 4MATIC is Your Best Friend on Highway 440 During a Summer Rainstorm

Summer in Laval means weekend drives to the Laurentians, trips to the city, and those moments when dark clouds roll in faster than you can reach the next exit. That sudden downpour on Autoroute 440 can turn a pleasant drive into a white-knuckle experience. Here's why Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive is your smartest choice for safe driving in every season, especially when Quebec's summer storms strike.

While many drivers think all-wheel drive is only for snow, the truth is that 4MATIC provides critical safety benefits year-round. When rainwater meets hot asphalt on busy highways like the 440 or 15, your tires face conditions that can be just as challenging as winter ice. 4MATIC gives you the confidence to handle these moments with control.

How 4MATIC Prevents Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose contact with the road surface due to water buildup. On Quebec autoroutes, where speeds are high and drainage varies, this creates dangerous situations quickly. 4MATIC helps prevent hydroplaning through intelligent torque distribution.

The system continuously monitors wheel speed at all four corners. When sensors detect one wheel beginning to slip—whether from standing water or reduced grip—4MATIC instantly redirects power to the wheels with better traction. This happens in milliseconds, often before you even notice the road conditions changing.

Unlike front-wheel-drive vehicles that lose steering control during wheelspin, or rear-wheel-drive cars that can fishtail in slippery conditions, 4MATIC keeps all four wheels working together. This means better control when you need to change lanes around slower traffic or navigate the merge onto A15 from Boulevard Saint-Martin.

Real-World Benefits on Quebec Roads

Quebec's summer weather can be unpredictable. That sunny morning drive to Montreal can quickly become a storm-soaked return trip. 4MATIC provides several advantages specific to our local driving conditions:

• Highway merging confidence: Accelerating onto busy autoroutes in wet conditions requires traction at all four wheels
• Bridge and overpass safety: These surfaces often become slippery first due to air circulation and temperature changes
• Construction zone navigation: Reduced lanes and temporary surfaces benefit from the added stability
• Emergency manoeuvres: If you need to brake and steer simultaneously, 4MATIC helps maintain directional control

The system works seamlessly with other Mercedes-Benz safety technologies. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) work together with 4MATIC to create multiple layers of protection during challenging driving conditions.

4MATIC Models Available in Laval

Mercedes-Benz offers 4MATIC across its model lineup, from the compact GLB to the luxurious EQS SUV. Each application is specifically tuned for that vehicle's characteristics:

GLB 250 4MATIC: Provides family-friendly confidence with seating for up to seven passengers. The system includes off-road programming for cottage trips beyond paved roads.

CLE Cabriolets with 4MATIC: Even with the top down, you get all-weather capability. The 300 4MATIC produces 255 hp while the 450 4MATIC delivers 375 hp, both with intelligent all-wheel traction.

EQB 300 4MATIC: Combines electric efficiency with all-weather capability. The dual electric motors provide instant torque to all four wheels, perfect for smooth acceleration in any conditions.

EQS 580 4MATIC SUV: Features the most advanced 4MATIC system with fully variable torque distribution and air suspension that can adjust ride height based on driving conditions.

The Technology Behind the Safety

4MATIC isn't just mechanical—it's intelligent. The system uses data from multiple sensors including wheel speed, steering angle, lateral acceleration, and throttle position. An electronic control unit processes this information and adjusts torque distribution up to 100 times per second.

In normal conditions, 4MATIC typically sends more power to the rear wheels for efficient driving and sporty handling. When grip conditions change—like hitting a patch of standing water on Boulevard des Laurentides—the system can instantly shift power forward, backward, or even diagonally across the vehicle.

The beauty of 4MATIC is that it works invisibly. You don't need to press buttons or select modes. The system constantly adapts to provide the best possible traction for current conditions.

Ready to experience the confidence that comes with all-season traction? Visit Mercedes-Benz Laval to test drive any 4MATIC model and feel the difference intelligent all-wheel drive makes on Quebec roads.