Each of these systems has been designed for different terrain situations and usage habits. Learn from them and take advantage of them.
The designations AWD, 4WD and 4X4 are associated with an automotive theme: the traction systems. However, their use can be confusing, especially when asking for a 4×4, SUV or Crossover, or when your car has such features and do not know what you offer.
To begin with, traction systems are a safety mechanism to prevent the loss of grip when accelerating excessively, when driving on wet or very smooth ground, or when we turn abruptly the direction of our vehicle. Having understood this, we can already establish the corresponding differences.
Let’s start with the system drive or All Wheel Drive AWD. This feature offers auto-traction on all wheels without the driver interfering. That is, it is not necessary for it to activate this function, but either it turns on by itself or it works permanently depending on the manufacturer.
Traction AWD is ideal for driving in areas with poor adhesion, for example tracks wet with rain, because it distributes the force four-wheel drive. So, if we need to turn our vehicle on a steep curve, the AWD correct traction to make it more maneuverable.
Another is the 4WD system, that while blocking the front and rear axles to work in unison as the AWD, differs basically yes allows the driver to decide when to distribute the traction force on the wheels. In other words, it does not work all the time, but at will. This type of traction is that it offers the advantage of adjusting to the terrain conditions.
Finally, the system 4×4 traction, typical of trucks that carry the same name, divide the tensile force between the front and rear axles of the vehicle at a ratio of 50% and 50%. However, because it is impossible for a car to work always in this mode, vans 4×4 have the popular gearbox.
This device contains a series of gears that transform the energy provided by the engine in more force, reducing the speed without changing the speed. Also, typically it provides the 2H, 4H and 4L modes, that is, drive systems which can be chosen at will of the driver.
Thus, while the 2H mode makes the 4×4 in a 4×2 vehicle -Traction in just two wheelers, the 4H option is equivalent to select a drive type 4WD in our van. That is, distributed traction on all four wheels to drive on smooth or low grip surfaces.
Meanwhile, the 4L mode allows 4×4 distribute traction at all four wheels, but evenly between the front and rear axle. This feature is special for driving at low speed but in difficult terrain and, on the contrary, not recommended in situations foreseen for the 4H function.