Four-wheel driveUnited Kingdom

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91. Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive, commonly abbreviated as 4WD or 4x4, is a drivetrain system capable of transmitting power to all four wheels of a vehicle. This can provide additional traction on surfaces such as snow, mud, gravel, sand or uneven terrain.

Four-wheel-drive systems may operate permanently or be engaged automatically or manually when additional traction is required. Four-wheel drive can improve the vehicle's ability to move on slippery or difficult surfaces, but it does not remove the need for suitable tyres, safe speed and careful braking and steering.

Vehicle with four-wheel drive going through mud.
Wikimedia.org • B101uk • CC BY-SA

What is four-wheel drive?

Four-wheel drive is a drivetrain system that can send power to all four wheels of a vehicle rather than only the front or rear wheels.

What does 4x4 mean?

4x4 normally indicates a vehicle with four wheels of which all four can be driven by the powertrain.

Is four-wheel drive the same as all-wheel drive?

The terms 4WD and AWD are sometimes used interchangeably, but manufacturers often use them for different types of system. Traditional 4WD systems commonly provide selectable driving modes, while AWD systems often distribute power automatically.

Does four-wheel drive improve traction?

Yes. Sending power to more wheels can improve traction when accelerating on snow, mud, gravel, sand or other low-grip surfaces.

Does four-wheel drive shorten braking distance?

Not automatically. Braking performance depends primarily on the tyres, road surface, speed, braking system and vehicle condition. Four-wheel drive should not encourage a driver to travel faster on slippery roads.

Does a four-wheel-drive vehicle still need suitable tyres?

Yes. The tyres provide the contact between the vehicle and road. Four-wheel drive cannot compensate for tyres that are unsuitable, excessively worn or incorrectly inflated.

Can four-wheel drive help in snow?

Yes. It can improve the ability to move away and climb on snow-covered roads, but safe braking and cornering still depend heavily on tyre grip and appropriate speed.

Can a four-wheel-drive vehicle drive off-road?

Some 4x4 vehicles are designed for off-road use, but four-wheel drive alone does not make every vehicle suitable for difficult terrain. Ground clearance, tyres, suspension and the drivetrain design are also important.

Can you use four-wheel drive on dry roads?

This depends on the type of drivetrain. Permanent or automatic systems are designed for normal road use, while some selectable 4WD systems should only be engaged under particular conditions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Does four-wheel drive increase towing capacity?

It can improve traction when towing, but the legally and technically permitted trailer mass is determined by the vehicle's approved towing limits and local regulations, not simply by the presence of four-wheel drive.

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