I live in sunny N. Cali, but we go to the mountains a lot and see muddy/snowy conditions. 4wd is seldom needed but when you would have been stuck in 2wd on that lonely dead end road in the mountains late on a Sunday night it is worth every penny to be on my way home to a hot meal and shower instead of digging and/or going for help. If I was a boater I would have it too after witnessing the problems some have had on the ramps. All my vehicles are 4wd, won't leave home without it.