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Most people are probably aware of what rear and front-wheel drives are. But have you ever asked yourself, ‘What is a four-wheel drive?’ This article will help you find out. We’ll cover everything about the four-wheel drive system, including its pros and cons and how it compares to other drivetrains.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic off-road adventurer looking for your next vehicle hire or someone who’s simply curious about what these versatile drive systems cars can offer, you’re sure to find answers to all your questions here.
A four-wheel drive is a driving system that works by sending power to both the front and rear wheels simultaneously, contrary to the majority of cars that use two-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive system was built way back in 1903 but got into serious production in the 1980s. Even then, many car manufacturers didn’t have faith in it.
Today, four-wheel drive vehicles have gained significant popularity, so much so that nearly 60% of light-duty vehicles produced in 2022 boasted four-wheel drive systems. And it’s expected to gain even more popularity.
Most SUVs combine four-wheel drive with high driving positions to make them great all-terrain vehicles.
How Does Four-Wheel Drive Work?
Four-wheel drive works by distributing engine power between the front and rear axles. The engine sends power to a transfer case, which splits power between the front and rear wheels.
It’s important to note that four-wheel drive cars usually don’t operate all the time on all four wheels. Many modern four-wheel drive cars have selectable modes, allowing you to choose whether to send power to either front wheels or rear wheels (front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive) alone.
One of the biggest benefits of driving a four-wheel drive car is traction control and its ability to tackle off-road adventures. A diff lock is present to make sure that the rotation of the vehicle’s differential is locked, which will ensure that both wheels receive power and turn together at the same speed. This ensures better roll stability control and that you won’t lose traction when you’re driving off the beaten track.
You can click here for a more detailed breakdown of the 4×4 cars, or you could check out our guide on 4Motion to find out about Volkswagen’s version of the four-wheel drive.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of 4WD
Here are the main advantages of 4WD drive:
- Extra traction – Its differential lock system improves off-road traction when driving on a slippery surface.
- Off-roading capability – Designed to tackle challenging environments, it’s the perfect choice for adventurers.
- Stability and Control – The engine (or electric motor in cars equipped with an electronic system) can send power to all wheels equally, which will enhance its stability.
- Towing Capacity – Its stability is also beneficial for those who want powerful vehicles to haul loads.
Here are some of the drawbacks of the four-wheel drive vehicle:
- More expensive and higher maintenance costs – Its starting price is higher than that of rear and front-wheel drive vehicles, and you’ll likely have to spend more money on maintenance.
- Less fuel-efficient – It has high fuel consumption, which isn’t great for those on a budget.
Types Of 4-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive cars are equipped with different 4WD types. Here are the main differences between each type:
- Permanent four-wheel drive – When you have a permanent four-wheel drive type, the power is supplied to all four wheels continuously. If you’re a person who enjoys going on different quests in nature and challenging terrains, this type will provide you with traction that will make your journey manageable.
- Selectable four-wheel drive – This type allows you to engage and disengage the 4WD as you please. You can drive your four-wheel drive truck in two-wheel drive mode, and when the situation requires extra traction, you can simply activate four-wheel drive. This can also improve your fuel efficiency.
- Automatic four-wheel drive – Also called intelligent power distribution, this four-wheel-drive system uses senses to detect the spinning wheel and automatically transfers power to the wheels with better traction. You won’t have to intervene at all; the transition is seamless.
Four-Wheel Drive Vs All-Wheel Drive
You probably heard about the 4WD vs AWD comparisons, and although similar, those two aren’t the same. They both deliver power to the front wheel and rear axle through the drivetrain. All-wheel drive is primarily focused on providing improved on-road performance, while four-wheel drive prioritises off-road capability.
AWD employs an intelligent form of four-wheel drive, in which it can assess traction at all times. Then, in case of need, it can allocate the precise amount of power the individual wheel needs. In normal circumstances, the rear differential makes sure that the power gets distributed to the two wheels.
The biggest advantage of all-wheel drive is that it improves fuel efficiency, and it can still excel when it comes to problematic weather conditions on-road adventures. On the flip side, it can’t match the off-road prowess of 4WD systems, especially in really challenging and slippery conditions.
Why Would You Want A 4-Wheel-Drive Car For Your Next Hire?
You would want a 4-wheel-drive car for your next hire because it comes with a bundle of perks that will enable you to elevate your off-road adventures to the next level. With their locking differentials, you’ll be able to tackle challenging terrain with ease. And if you have to deal with snow and ice, a 4WD will help you drive safely and with confidence on a slippery surface. On top of that, many four-wheel drive vehicles offer great towing capacity.
When you need a vehicle to conquer any terrain, contact SDVH to hire fantastic cars that boast four-wheel drive and an elevated driving position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Point Of 4-Wheel Drive?
The point of a 4-wheel drive is to enhance the traction of your vehicle. It does that by powering all four wheels at the same time. This feature makes it easier to navigate diverse landscapes and adverse weather conditions. It’s a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts and people living in areas that face unpredictable weather changes.
Is 4x4 The Same As AWD?
No, a 4×4 is not the same as AWD. Both four-wheel and all-wheel drive involve power going to all four wheels; however, they differ when it comes to their operational characteristics. AWD operates automatically, and it distributes power to all four wheels when it’s needed, while four-wheel drive is more manually controlled and is popular among off-road vehicles.
Is 4WD Or AWD Better?
Whether 4WD or AWD is a better option for you will depend on your specific circumstances. If you’re looking to save money, you should opt for AWD since it usually operates on two wheels and switches to all-wheel drive when needed. But if you’re facing really challenging and uneven terrain, there is no better choice than 4WD to take you on that journey.
Are 4WD Cars Harder To Drive?
No, 4WD cars are not harder to drive. They might require some adjustments compared to driving a two-wheel drive car. If your 4WD vehicle allows manual engagement, you might need to go through a brief learning process to recognise when and how to engage a 4×4 car based on driving conditions.
Conclusion
Now that you have an answer to the question, ‘What is four-wheel drive?’, you can confidently make your car hire decision. These driving systems have a lot to offer, and their price is worth the quality you’ll receive. From navigating challenging off-road trails to providing enchanted traction in everyday life, this vehicle system has redefined the driving experience.
