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AWD VS 4WD: The Difference between Them and When Should They be Used?

on May 25, 2021

AWD VS 4WD: The Difference between Them and When Should They be Used?

on May 25, 2021

Our vehicles come in many different shapes and sizes. Customizations are always evolving to make sure that your experience will learn you coming back each time. Each make and model has different things that make it special, but one thing remains the same.

Drive Trains have been ever-evolving, creating new ways to make your vehicle feel like you are gliding on air.  However, there are two that seem to be confusing the masses: All Wheel Drive and 4 Wheel Drive. 

These two drive trains seem to sound like they would do the same things, why would these two exist hand in hand? Well, there are a few key differences between the two that just might make you choose one or the other.

AWD: All Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is a drive train that powers all 4 wheels all of the time. AWD in general operates without any give from the driver. This is an automatic feature that does not need to be turned on or off. 

AWD has a tendency to be shown in two different versions. Full-Time AWD powers all 4 wheels all the time, whereas Part-Time AWD only powers 2 wheels, until there is a need for more control on the road.

Part-Time All-Wheel Drive sends torque to the two wheels that your specific make and model designates. This can be either the front or the back. The system then detects if your vehicle needs help when it comes to traction and control. 

Full-Time All-Wheel Drive is very self-explanatory. All 4 wheels are always going, which allows for contact traction without having to potentially wait for your vehicle to switch. While coming like the idea of the vehicle thinking for itself, some would rather not chance it.

4WD: 4 Wheel Drive

4 Wheel Drive is generally better at handling cautions or dangerous conditions. They are designed for the rugged terrain and are best suited in cars and trucks that are made for off-road fun. 

While this feature is now found in more of the luxury vehicle types, they and not the vehicles that are most benefitted by this. Those would be trucks that are not guaranteed to remain on the road or have to consistently drive in bad weather conditions. 

While this is the best option for those who are always finding themselves off-road, it does offer a more stiff and difficult drive, when compared to its 2 Wheel Drive counter-part.

All Wheel Drive VS 4 Wheel Drive

All Wheel Drive is better suited for conditions that may not be regularly ventured into. An All Wheel Drive minivan that is located in the lower parts of the north would be good to have. It makes sure that the vehicle can drive smoothly, but can also handle the snow without endangering the family.

4 Wheel Drive, however, is better suited for the Northernmost places, where snow is a normal occurrence year-round. The necessity for it isn’t exactly 100% there, but a lot of people find it easier to manage the hardcore weather patterns some parts of the U.S. offer.

DriveSmart’s Got Your Back

DriveSmart Warranty will make sure that no matter what issue you face when it comes to your drive train, you are covered. We ensure that you are taken care of, safe, and back on the road as soon as  

Don’t deal directly with scammy mechanics! Let us direct you to a DriveSmart certified mechanic, where you don’t have to pay a cent. We deal with the mechanic directly so that all you have to worry about is getting yourself back on the road. 

Get a quote today, and find out how much you could be saving with a DriveSmart Warranty to back you up!

Blog By: Brooke Lazar

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