Four-wheel drive or 4×4 wheels is one of the four-tire drive systems commonly used in most four-wheeled vehicles today. Different from other drive systems, 4WD is very useful for car users who like to go through tough terrain such as offroad, because the driver can adjust the distribution of power to the wheels according to the needs at the time. In addition, the traction of a 4WD car is more leverage, as well as better steering control compared to cars that use other drive systems.
4×4 wheels generally include other drive system functions such as all-wheel drive (AWD), front-wheel drive (FWD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The AWD drive system transmits power to the four wheels of the car, FWD to the two front wheels of the car, while the RWD to the two rear wheels of the car. With a 4WD drive system, the driver can adjust the distribution of wheel power as needed, for example only activating two-wheel drive or all four wheels at once. Generally, 4WD cars are divided into four types. The four types of 4WD cars are Full-Time 4WD, Part-Time 4WD, all-wheel drive (AWD), and auto AWD.
Know The 4 Types Of 4WD Car Drive Systems
- Full-Time 4WD When using Full Time 4WD mode, the car’s wheels are in 4WD condition. There is a choice of gear that can be used according to the road conditions, namely low gear, and high gear. Low gear is used when the car passes through rough terrains, such as rocks and mud. The speed given by the car is low, but the torque is large. While the high gear is used when the speed is normal or moderate.
- Part-Time 4WD provides an option for the driver to activate the two-wheel-drive (2WD) mode, namely RWD or FWD. The distribution of power to the wheels in this system is regulated from the transfer case. There is also a differential system on cars with part-time 4WD. The function of this system is to adjust the wheel rotation while turning. Just like full-time 4WD, the driver can also keep setting the gear he wants to use, low gear or high gear according to his needs.
- AWD If you use AWD, then the car’s power is channeled to the four wheels of the car at once. Just like the other types, cars with AWD drive systems also provide low gear and high gear options. A car with an AWD drive system can handle skidding well. Launching Carsome, if there is slippage on one wheel, the power will be transferred to the other wheels, so the car can continue to drive stably and safely.
- Auto AWD Same as 4WD which can adjust the distribution of power, but cars that use auto AWD can change the drive system to a 2WD or 4WD system automatically, depending on the road conditions the car is traveling on. The AWD drive system is said to be more efficient than other drives because it provides good mileage and the use of power is adjusted to the road conditions.
