It's a simple fact: drive all four of a vehicle's wheels, and the driver will experience a greater level of control and traction than with a standard two wheel drive alone. The added grip on the roads surface in any weather benefits confidence and peace of mind on any voyage- especially those taking place when the weather gets nasty.
Several options are available when it comes to driving all four wheels of a vehicle- so it's important to understand the way each system works as well as the one fitted to your particular model.
As far as terminology is concerned, the most common abbreviations you'll encounter are AWD (All Wheel Drive), and 4WD (Four Wheel Drive). The traditional 4x4 designation is still somewhat commonly used too. It stands for 'four by four' and is effectively interchangeable with 4WD.
All Wheel Drive vehicles drive all four wheels automatically- delivering power to each corner without any driver involvement. This type of decision-free system requires no extra thinking or action required on the driver's part. It's always on and always engaged.
AWD can work in one of two ways.
Some all wheel drive vehicles drive only the front wheels in normal conditions, sending power to the rear ones the moment wheel-spin is detected. This process is generally seamless to the driver, and the rear wheels are disengaged once traction is regained. Though the system is completely and totally automatic, the vehicle isn't necessarily driving all four wheels all the time.
The above type of AWD setup activates added traction instantly on an 'as-needed' basis. It works by maximizing traction when required, but operating as a more fuel efficient two wheel drive when it's not.
Some AWD systems drive all four wheels constantly- with no need for wheelspin to engage the secondary drive axle. This can have performance and handling benefits in addition to confident to all-weather operation.
All Wheel Drive is most commonly identified by a complete lack of driver involvement in its operation, and it's generally available in cars, wagons and crossover SUV's.
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| Subaru 'Symmetrical' AWD |
Several options are available when it comes to driving all four wheels of a vehicle- so it's important to understand the way each system works as well as the one fitted to your particular model.
As far as terminology is concerned, the most common abbreviations you'll encounter are AWD (All Wheel Drive), and 4WD (Four Wheel Drive). The traditional 4x4 designation is still somewhat commonly used too. It stands for 'four by four' and is effectively interchangeable with 4WD.
All Wheel Drive vehicles drive all four wheels automatically- delivering power to each corner without any driver involvement. This type of decision-free system requires no extra thinking or action required on the driver's part. It's always on and always engaged.
AWD can work in one of two ways.
Some all wheel drive vehicles drive only the front wheels in normal conditions, sending power to the rear ones the moment wheel-spin is detected. This process is generally seamless to the driver, and the rear wheels are disengaged once traction is regained. Though the system is completely and totally automatic, the vehicle isn't necessarily driving all four wheels all the time.
The above type of AWD setup activates added traction instantly on an 'as-needed' basis. It works by maximizing traction when required, but operating as a more fuel efficient two wheel drive when it's not.
Some AWD systems drive all four wheels constantly- with no need for wheelspin to engage the secondary drive axle. This can have performance and handling benefits in addition to confident to all-weather operation.
All Wheel Drive is most commonly identified by a complete lack of driver involvement in its operation, and it's generally available in cars, wagons and crossover SUV's.
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| 2009 Honda Element (Real Time 4WD) |