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What Is The Difference Between 4WD And AWD?

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Determining whether to get a car or truck with four wheel drive or all-wheel drive depends on a couple of things. You should take into account how adventurous you are. Do you often go driving through the woods or on remote camping trips? You should also look at the area you live in whether you are dealing with severe weather or a lot of mountainous terrain. This will help you determine what type of wheels you need on your ride.

Four Wheel Drive

Four wheel drive is usually associated with off road vehicles. Those vehicles that like to go mudding or have to go up large hills daily. Torque is a force that the engine produces to move the car forward. It is split between the wheels and causes friction that allows your tires to grip the road. With four wheel drive it splits the power better the front and rear axles that control the tires. This allows an equal amount of torque to go into all four wheels.

Essentially all four wheels are doing the same amount of work making it easier for the car or truck to go up steep mountains and over rough terrain without getting stuck. The good thing about four wheel drive is that it gives you the best traction in the mud or snow and it can be turned off and on so you don't always have to use it.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is always on, it can't be turned off like a four wheel drive vehicle can. With all-wheel drive the car sends some of the power of the engine to the wheels as needed. The car is still running primarily on one axle having most of the power. The all-wheel drive vehicle will sense wheel slip and send the needed torque to the wheel that will provide the best traction for the car. 

Good things about all-wheel drive is that it helps with control no matter what the condition of the road and allows for a better grip. While the torque cannot be geared down for off-roading capability the all-wheel drive gives added traction without the driver having to do anything.

Be practical when making your decision on what type of vehicle to get. If you just want four wheel drive because it makes you feel more powerful, but you actually won't ever use it then it's not necessarily the best choice. If you live in a place where it snows deep and often in the winter, then an all-wheel drive car wouldn't be the practical option for you. For more information, contact companies like Western Avenue Nissan. 


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