Many decades ago, 4WD and AWD are both specialty features found in some vehicles. Most vehicles before are basically 2WDs, unless if you have a truck or other vehicle types for heavy use. Nowadays, 4WD system vehicles are already becoming a common option when shopping for a car. It also has a lot of varieties now such as full-time, part-time, and automatic.
A 4WD simply refers to the type of vehicle system that sends power to all 4 wheels and gets them moving. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these 4 wheels receive power all at the same time. There are some factors that affect it too such as traction, type of road surface, and a lot more. If you want to know more about the different modes of a 4WD, this article is for you.
Automatic 4WD
If you’re looking for one that is easier to operate, an automatic 4WD is a perfect choice. It runs steadily on 2WD mode until the system detects that it is needed to switch to 4WD mode. The driver doesn’t need to think about when to change from 2WD to 4WD since it is the system that will judge when it is needed.
The system is usually activated by a wheel slipping out or just about to slip. Although it is a convenient design, it is not recommended to be used on extreme off-road conditions because all of the 4 wheels receive an equal amount of power all the time. To know which type of system suits your needs, it is best to consult a professional. You could customize some of the features such as custom car seat covers for more comfort, but it all depends on what the dealer will allow.
Permanent 4WD
Permanent 4WD or Full-time 4WD refers to the vehicle system that provides power to all 4 wheels constantly. It is fixed like that so the driver doesn’t need to activate anything to switch into that feature. This system type works well on dry and slippery conditions since the power is just being shifted where it is needed, whether the front or rear parts. Although it has much power, permanent 4WDs are not recommended to be used much on uneven and off-road terrains since the design makes the wheels spin even when there’s no traction present, increasing the risk of wheels slipping out.
Part-Time 4WD
In contrary to a full-time 4WD, part-time 4WDs have a selectable system. It is up to the driver to switch whether which one is the right type to use; 2-wheel or 4-wheels depending on the driving conditions. It is best to set the 2WD mode as default since this system works best on almost any surface – whether dry, wet, or even off-road conditions. One important thing you should keep in mind when operating a part-time 4WD is never switched it to the 4WD mode when you’re driving on a smooth and dry road since it could damage the system.
Careful consideration is really important when choosing a car system that fits your driving needs.