AWD vehicles provide superior traction for road use, light off-roading and towing applications. By sending power to all four wheels simultaneously, these vehicles distribute drive force evenly in case one wheel slips out.
Many SUVs, crossovers and even some performance cars feature four–wheel drive as a standard feature or option, and this article will outline its key benefits:
Increased Traction
An All Wheel Drive vehicle makes driving much simpler in adverse road conditions. When one axle slips, more power will be sent directly to that wheel in an effort to regain traction – giving drivers confidence when driving on snowy or rainy roads.
AWD vehicles also provide more traction while accelerating than their front- or rear-wheel drive counterparts, offering additional grip that could mean the difference between reaching your destination quickly or getting stuck in snowbanks.
If you live in an area prone to frequent snowfall or poor road conditions, all-wheel drive cars can be invaluable. Depending on their system design, most AWD cars will distribute most of their power through one axle at first; then, should any axle lose traction, the brain of the system can shift more power toward another axle in an effort to find more traction there – often called “torque on demand” systems because they only provide additional traction when needed.
All-wheel drive systems provide excellent traction but usually consume more fuel than two-wheel drive vehicles of comparable size and power. Some AWD systems allow drivers to switch into two-wheel drive mode to reduce parasitic drag and improve fuel economy.
Four-wheel drive may also be available to drivers, though typically limited to more rugged vehicles designed for off-road use such as trucks or certain SUVs. Four-wheel drive systems work by locking together both driveshafts so the vehicle can move through tough conditions more easily – and are not intended for use on paved roads.
All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles offer drivers many benefits that go beyond simply helping them navigate difficult weather and terrain, including improved handling, higher resale value and enhanced acceleration and efficiency. Drivers should keep in mind, however, that these drivetrains are more complex than their two-wheel counterparts and may cost more to repair or replace should something go wrong with them.
Better Cornering
AWD vehicles provide additional grip when the roads are wet or icy, helping drivers accelerate faster on dry pavement and feel more confident driving on slippery surfaces – this benefit being especially apparent when in traffic or passing other cars on busy highways.
Distribution of power evenly among all four wheels helps drivers maintain more control when cornering on slippery road surfaces, as each wheel will have more traction to resist the tendency for it to spin due to lack of grip or buildup of dirt and grime. AWD systems automatically shift power between axles when necessary allowing drivers to maintain direction without losing control.
Many all-wheel drive (AWD) systems can adapt automatically to changing road conditions, letting the car’s brain know when all-wheel drive is necessary and when it isn’t. This feature is especially beneficial to drivers who spend a great deal of time driving on city streets where slick roads may be commonplace. Newer AWD systems even feature decoupled power between front and rear axles when not required for optimal fuel economy and maintaining an excellent level of traction regardless of driving scenarios.
If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall and rain, an AWD vehicle is essential in keeping your vehicle moving on treacherous road surfaces and minimizing time spent stuck at home. Even if these difficult weather conditions do not apply to you, an AWD system can still offer peace of mind and improved confidence behind the wheel at all times.
AWD vehicles can also help enhance handling in high-performance and luxury cars, helping them better negotiate curves on the road while remaining stable at speeds that exceed legal limits. Furthermore, some more advanced AWD systems even distribute power differently between wheels when taking a turn – helping these vehicles remain steady on winding roads.
Stability
All four wheels being powered can help your vehicle remain on the road when accelerating, as AWD systems continuously shift torque between front and rear axles in order to maximize traction in adverse conditions while still maintaining speed. This feature can be especially beneficial to drivers who frequently drive on snowy or wet roads; AWD helps minimize risks of spinout when starting from rest or powering through corners at high speeds.
Although many cars still come equipped with two-wheel drive, the demand for more capable four-wheel drive cars in difficult weather has steadily grown. Now, more car-based SUVs, crossovers and luxury and performance vehicles offer AWD as an optional feature; commonly referred to as 4WD or 4×4, AWD automatically directs power towards the back wheels on slippery surfaces and will send power directly there when driving on slippery roads.
This option will also enhance your vehicle’s handling in dry conditions, enabling you to accelerate without losing traction and giving greater confidence when pushing its limits on a racetrack or autocross course. Many AWD systems send power primarily through the front wheels in everyday driving conditions but have the capability of shifting it across all four when necessary.
Most often, all-wheel drive (AWD) systems are lighter and less costly than their 4-wheel counterparts, providing substantial increases in traction while decreasing weight and mechanical resistance of your car, which in turn has an positive effect on fuel economy. Unfortunately, however, some drivers mistakenly believe that more traction translates to greater stopping power in emergency situations.
Decisions on whether or not to acquire an AWD or 4WD vehicle ultimately depend on your intended use for it. If off-roading is your primary transportation need, 4WD is likely necessary. But for those wanting peace of mind in challenging conditions and looking for AWD peace of mind should also carefully consider its additional costs as part of their transportation needs.
Safety
Driving in adverse conditions such as snowfall, rain, or accumulations of grime on the road can be challenging, requiring extra caution from drivers. An AWD vehicle provides added resiliency by sending power directly to those wheels which need it most – providing drivers with peace of mind that their vehicles remain on the road safely.
AWD vehicles typically feature an on-demand system that only activates rear or front axle power when necessary for additional traction, saving weight and increasing fuel efficiency. Most cars equipped with AWD also allow their driver to activate full four-wheel drive when necessary for enhanced performance or safety purposes.
All-wheel drive vehicles not only improve traction during acceleration, but they can also assist drivers in keeping control of their car while traveling over slippery roads – something which may help avoid or lessen accidents altogether.
But it is essential to keep in mind that driving safely in slippery conditions requires more than simply all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles; good tires, driving at appropriate speeds and paying attention to other drivers are also key elements of safety. AWD vehicles may provide an advantage under difficult conditions but should never replace other key safety features like anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control as key safeguards.
All-wheel drive can be an ideal feature for cars that must navigate slippery or wintry roads, such as SUVs and sports cars. But it may not be necessary for many other types of vehicles; most passenger cars, such as minivans and sedans can perform just fine on most roadways without all-wheel drive capability.
As with any off-roading experience, serious off-roading should only be attempted with vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance. All-wheel drive may provide extra traction on rough terrain; however, driving over rocks or steep hills with all-wheel drive won’t necessarily become any simpler or easier with additional torque introduced onto wheels that aren’t spinning; this may distract drivers as well as cause their vehicle to wander or lose traction altogether.