You’ll want a four-wheel-drive system when you drive your vehicle on slippery or uneven surfaces. Fortunately, there are advantages to this feature that you might not have considered before.
Four-wheel-drive systems come in full-time, automatic, or part-time modes. They all send power to the front and rear wheels, which increases traction.
Better Traction
If you like to go off-road or drive in various weather conditions, then a 4WD system may be right for you. Unlike AWD and FWD systems, which transmit torque to just one axle in all situations, 4WD systems send power to all four wheels. It can significantly boost traction and stability, particularly when driving through snowy or icy areas.
Some 4WD systems also include auto-four wheel drive, which automatically shifts between 2WD and 4WD when necessary. It can be especially useful when driving down a steep hill or towing a heavy load.
Although this is a great feature, it’s important to use caution and drive safely. It’s not uncommon for drivers to overestimate their vehicles’ traction and ability to stop, which can cause them to become stuck on ice or snow.
The best way to avoid this is by using extreme caution and paying close attention to the road. It will prevent you from swerving out of your lane or crashing into other vehicles.
Another good tip is to inspect your vehicle’s transmission and drive the train regularly. Often, these are the parts of the car that wear down quickly. Keeping your transmission and drive-train healthy can help you save on fuel expenses and increase your overall vehicle’s longevity.
It would be best to have your transfer case drained and refilled with fresh oil regularly. If you don’t do this, the fluid can dry out and make your transmission unable to transmit power to all four wheels.
Additionally, it would be best if you kept a close eye on your fuel economy when driving in the off-road mode of your 4WD. It will allow you to plan your fuel stops for upcoming trips, verify that your vehicle is operating properly and help you understand how different driving conditions can affect your gas mileage.
Lastly, it would be best to consider getting bigger tyres on your vehicle to improve its performance in the off-road environment. These larger tyres also lower your fuel economy, so you should be mindful of this when considering upgrades to your vehicle.
Better Fuel Economy
AWD and 4WD systems add an extra layer of complexity to the drivetrain, requiring more fuel, oil and maintenance. The added weight, mechanical resistance and cost of the equipment required to power all four wheels can impact gas mileage, especially in trucks and SUVs that are already poor fuel economy performers.
While AWD and 4WD systems provide better traction on icy or snowy roads, they don’t offer extra braking capability. It means that drivers may be overconfident in their ability to stop on slick surfaces, leading to accidents and a greater chance of being stuck.
The best way to save money and increase your car’s gas mileage is to use it only when you need it, such as on dry pavement. Driving on wet, muddy or snowy surfaces will reduce the system’s traction and could damage your front axles and differential gears.
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures if you need to use 4WD on a wet, muddy or snowy road. If you don’t, the transfer case may overheat and cause the 4WD light to flash.
In keeping the 4WD system working properly, the transfer case relies on sensors and switches that communicate with the vehicle’s control module to tell it when and how much traction it needs. If one or more of these components isn’t working, the light will flash, and you might need to take your vehicle in for 4WD service Adelaide.
Many vehicles will also feature a switch that allows you to disengage the 4WD system while driving conveniently. This switch is usually located near the shift lever on the driver’s side dashboard.
When you engage the switch, your vehicle’s computer uses the information from the switch to determine whether it needs to disengage or stay engaged. Once it decides you need the extra traction, it will activate the four-wheel-drive system and send torque to all four wheels.
Generally, the light will go off after you’ve driven for about five minutes, but it could still flash if you’re in a situation where you need more traction than the system can deliver. If the light does come on and you’re unsure what it means, talk with a mechanic to diagnose the problem and determine steps to take to get your car back in shape.
Better Off-Road Performance
Getting your 4WD serviced regularly can help you keep your vehicle running well. During this service, your mechanic will be able to inspect the system and make sure that it is in good working order. It can prevent unexpected breakdowns and parts failures from happening.
A 4WD vehicle is designed for rough conditions and can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, it is important to remember that this system is not for everyday driving and should only be used when necessary.
For example, if you are driving down the highway and get stuck in the mud, you will need to shift gears and transfer power to your front wheels to help you move forward. It is recommended that you never drive your 4WD on dry pavement.
While this might sound like a minor issue, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Because you are transferring power to your front tires, the rear tires cannot move as quickly.
Many vehicles with 4WD come with a warning light that flashes when you are using the system. It is to ensure that you are aware that your car is operating in 4WD and to help you avoid damage to your wheels and other components.