Also called four-wheel drives or 4-by-4, 4×4 cars denote an automobile technology where the engine power of the 4×4 vehicle is transmitted evenly to all the four wheels of the car. This ensures all the wheels move at identical speeds. Such a setup is commonly found in off-roading and outdoor enthusiast vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks.
When Does 4WD Come in Handy?
Four-wheel drives usually help during the following scenarios:
• When you require additional power/torque, like pulling heavy loads.
• When descending with a heavy load at slows speeds
• When taking steep declines and inclines
• When your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or sand
If the wheels are sliding or spinning without pushing your car forward, you need to stop engaging the 4WD mechanism and focus on getting your vehicle out of the rut first.
Wheel Movement Mechanism
Generally, vehicles are not designed to send power to all their wheels. There are multiple ways in which the power transmission takes place. The options include rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Though 4×4 cars and all-wheel drive are two terms used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing always.
In a pure 4WD setup, the rear and front axle move at identical speeds. In other words, all four wheels rotate at the same speed. Such a rotating mechanism is ideal when treading uneven or very rough terrain at slower-than-normal speeds. During rock-crawling, for instance, is when a 4WD makes its presence felt.
With an all-wheel-drive, the system lets the car engine to transmit increased power to the wheel or axle that aren’t slipping. In other words, they could be moving at variable speeds. This is why several modern AWDs are often called electronic all-wheel drives. This denotes that all-wheel drives could sustain traction with its four wheels at higher speeds and around corners.
Evolving 4WD Technology
The four-wheel-drive mechanism on your car may not be identical to the one on your friend’s vehicle. It’s, therefore, important to understand exactly how your car’s 4WD system functions. For older cars, engaging 4WD may entail bringing the vehicle to a complete halt and putting it in parking mode or neutral gear.
Modern vehicles, however, can trigger 4WD with a mere button-push. Certain modern 4WD setups get activated automatically whenever it identifies wheel slipping. It’s important you go through the car’s instruction manual, contact your dealership, and/or look up your vehicle’s 4WD specifics to learn more.
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