Is 4 Wheel Drive Better?

Four wheel drive is important when off-roading

What is the Difference Between All Wheel Drive and Four Wheel Drive?

Many future car buyers who are debating the difference between purchasing different all-terrain vehicles ask this important question. Typically, an all-wheel-drive vehicle utilizes a center differential to distribute the engine’s torque between the two axles. In contrast, a four-wheel-drive relies on a transfer case. A transfer case functions as a locked differential. Four-wheel drive can be switched on and off at will by the driver, while all-wheel drive is always in operation. Four-wheel drive is excellent, if not imperative, for off-road driving. At the end of the day, whichever tire has the most traction is guaranteed to get the power it needs. 

Is 4 Wheel Drive Better?

There are a number of reasons why a potential car buyer would purchase a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Four-wheel drive provides a number of real benefits. Please browse through the following advantages of four-wheel drive to learn more.

  • Four-wheel drive provides increased traction in dangerous driving conditions. Dangerous driving conditions include driving when snow, ice, rocks, and other scenarios make driving precarious or difficult.
  • Four-wheel drive is critical for drivers who enjoy off-roading.
  • Great for providing additional horsepower or torque. Four-wheel drive can help your vehicle pull heavy loads at slow speeds.

How Does 4 Wheel Drive Work?

Four-wheel drive is a type of drivetrain system that transfers engine power to all four wheels of the vehicle. Four-wheel drive is an option for both trucks and SUVs. When your engine turns on, it starts producing rotational power, also known as torque. The drivetrain, which is composed of the transmission, the driveshaft, and the differential, transfers the engine’s torque to the wheels. When torque is applied to the wheels, the car is put in motion. In fact, traction is what metamorphs the engine torque into vehicle movement. When four wheel drive is engaged on a vehicle, the locking hubs that connect torque to the engine are engaged. 

What Does 4WD Mean?

4WD is known by many names. 4×4, which is understood to be four by four, is another name for four wheel drive. 4WD is a two-axled vehicle drivetrain that is capable of providing torque to all four wheels of the car simultaneously.

What is the Purpose of 4 Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive vehicles are very important for drivers who habitually drive in poor weather conditions. The increased tractions of the wheels allow drivers to safely navigate in ice, storms, snow, and on boulders or rocks. In areas of the United States where mountains are nearby, and weather is poor, such as in Alaska and Colorado, four-wheel-drive vehicles can mean the difference between life and death. For this reason, and more, four-wheel drive is in demand.

How to Use 4 Wheel Drive

While vehicles across brands are built slightly differently, there are some key aspects that are similar across the board. In terms of how to use four-wheel drive, shift the floor shifter from 2H to 4H and take your foot off the gas pedal for a second. To shift into 4L mode, your vehicle should be rolling at about 3 miles per hour. You can then put the automatic transmission into neutral, and quickly move the floor gear shift lever to 4L (which means 4 wheel drive low.) One of the most important functions in your home is your plumbing. As soon as your energy bills start to skyrocket, you may have a leak in your pipe system. Leak detection and repair can help you navigate what issues are currently affecting your pipe system.

What is Four Wheel Drive Service

Four wheel drive systems require a specific kind of service. Four-wheel drive service generally includes inspecting the transfer case, the locking hubs, the final drive, drive axles, and investigating both front and rear differentials for leaks and wear. It is also important for all four-wheel drives services to drain and refill all fluids according to the car manufacturers’ instructions.

Why 4 Wheel Drive in Snow

Traction can be incredibly important for inclement weather conditions. Slick pavement, gravel roads, snow, and off-road conditions all require excellent traction. In this dimension, the difference between a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel-drive vehicle can be massive. A two-wheel-drive vehicle could slip off an icy shoulder of the road, or get overheated on an off-road expedition. 

Four wheel drive is important for drivers who regularly drive in snowy conditions

What is 4 Wheel Drive Lock

The four wheel drive lock range locks the rear and front driveshafts together. This mechanism forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. In addition, this range enables increased traction for loose, intractable road surfaces.

Our company can help you with your four wheel drive. Our staff at L.A. NTX Transmissions are ready to take your phone call at __PHONE__. Discover more about what services we can use for your four wheel drive in Inglewood, CA!