Unlike All Wheel Drive, a four wheel drive system must be consciously switched on by a lever, switch or dial to do its job. By default, the vehicle in question will operate as a two wheel drive but offer a number of other 'modes' selectable by the driver. For instance, your four wheel drive may have two wheel drive (2-HIGH), four wheel drive 'high' (4-HIGH) and four wheel drive 'low' (4-LOW) settings selectable.
On clear roads, two wheel drive is the most appropriate. Four wheel drive 'high' can be engaged on a trail, during a snowstorm, on a gravel road or in other situations when more traction is required at relatively higher speeds.
Note that '4 HIGH' may also be called '4x4 LOCK' or '4WD LOCK', depending on the application, and that in many cases, it isn't intended to be used on bare pavement.
The four wheel drive 'low' (4-LOW) setting, if equipped, is reserved for serious off-road trails, very slippery surfaces or steep hills with limited traction. This mode is only to be used in certain specific conditions and never on bare pavement.
Some 4WD models have an 'auto' setting to switch between two and four wheel drive as appropriate for traction levels. This type of system operates similarly to an All Wheel Drive. If you're unsure whether or not you need extra traction, simply engage the '4x4 AUTO' mode and leave the guesswork to the vehicle.
Note that some brand-specific marketing names could be tacked onto the abbreviations above. These include 'Symmetrical' AWD (Subaru), Real Time 4WD (Honda), 4Matic (Mercedes-Benz), and others. Though the internal components of each system may differ, the end result is the same: all four wheels receive engine power.
For more details on the operation of your vehicle's four wheel drive system, check with your owner's manual. To investigate which type of system may be available in the new model you're shopping for, ask your sales rep for the scoop.
photo:Subaru, Honda, Mercedes-Benz
On clear roads, two wheel drive is the most appropriate. Four wheel drive 'high' can be engaged on a trail, during a snowstorm, on a gravel road or in other situations when more traction is required at relatively higher speeds.
Note that '4 HIGH' may also be called '4x4 LOCK' or '4WD LOCK', depending on the application, and that in many cases, it isn't intended to be used on bare pavement.
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| Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC |
The four wheel drive 'low' (4-LOW) setting, if equipped, is reserved for serious off-road trails, very slippery surfaces or steep hills with limited traction. This mode is only to be used in certain specific conditions and never on bare pavement.
Some 4WD models have an 'auto' setting to switch between two and four wheel drive as appropriate for traction levels. This type of system operates similarly to an All Wheel Drive. If you're unsure whether or not you need extra traction, simply engage the '4x4 AUTO' mode and leave the guesswork to the vehicle.
Note that some brand-specific marketing names could be tacked onto the abbreviations above. These include 'Symmetrical' AWD (Subaru), Real Time 4WD (Honda), 4Matic (Mercedes-Benz), and others. Though the internal components of each system may differ, the end result is the same: all four wheels receive engine power.
For more details on the operation of your vehicle's four wheel drive system, check with your owner's manual. To investigate which type of system may be available in the new model you're shopping for, ask your sales rep for the scoop.
photo:Subaru, Honda, Mercedes-Benz