Understanding Major Differences Between AWD And 4wd Vehicles

by Ronnie Matt Marketing Manager

We hear a lot about all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles these days and often assume that they are synonymous with each other. These terms are used in the context of automobiles and a fact is that most of us don't even know anything about what they mean. Both these types need all-wheel drive and 4wd service and there are so many other things that we have to know. This article here will reveal some additional information regarding these two types of vehicles.

The first thing you will notice is that both options are equally impressive in offering grip and extra traction as compared to vehicles running in two-wheel drive mode. But as said above, they are two different types of vehicles and have distinctive differences.

What Are The Differences?

According to those offering services related to 4wd repairs and servicing, these two terms confuse people outside the car repair shop. If you are interested in purchasing any of these vehicles, you first have to understand the main differences.

All-Wheel Drive

Let us not go deeper into the technical jargon and simply understand that the AWD system and 4wd system encompass how they send torque or power to each wheel. AWD vehicles mainly include cars trucks and SUVs and these vehicles have an onboard computer to send power to either different axles or the rear axle in normal driving conditions. However, if the vehicle’s computer detects some slippery area or lack of traction, it starts sending power via" center differential" to all four wheels.

"Central differential" is a technical term used to a system that allows wheels to turn independently at different speeds. This gives immense confidence to the driver and also takes the guesswork out because the system is always engaged in sending power based on driving conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive

The basic functioning of 4wd vehicles is similar to AWD vehicles, according to those offering services related to alternator repairs. But there are some notable changes in terms of traction and driver’s preferences. These 4wd vehicles come with a selectable switch that drivers can use to switch between two-wheel drive mode and four-wheel drive mode based on road conditions.

There is also an option to select between low-range and high-range gear options and this is essential for off-road conditions. In 4wd vehicles, 'transfer case' is used to send torque to the front axle and back axle which allows both of them to run at different speeds. This feature enhances off-road capabilities of 4wd vehicles significantly, provided that the vehicle owner has undertaken timely 4wd service.

Dissimilarities

One dissimilarity between AWD vehicles and 4wd vehicles are that 4wd is usually limited to trucks and SUVs. Then, there is one more thing to separate them from each other AWD vehicle’s system is always engaged in providing better traction and cornering. In 4wd cars, you are the controller to decide when to switch to 4wd mode and when not. In these vehicles, the 4wd system is used only in severe driving conditions or off-roading conditions and never on smooth roads or car park areas.