Know the Advantages and Disadvantages of 4WD Cars

Four-Wheel Drive cars or commonly referred to as 4WD have their own charm. Because the technology is often applied to off-road cars, car fans with a macho feel almost always glance at it. Interested in having it? Know first the advantages and disadvantages of 4WD cars.

Basically, 4WD is a car that is equipped with a four-wheel drive system. With this all wheels get power from the car engine. This is different from many other vehicles which usually use a two-wheel drive system or Two-Wheel Drive (2WD).

In general, 4WD cars can be divided into four types, namely Full Time 4WD, Part Time 4WD, AWD (All Wheel Drive). and Auto AWD. Each type has its own characteristics.

Full Time 4WD can be interpreted as a car that is always in 4WD and has a choice of low gear and high gear. In contrast to Part Time AWD. This is a car with four-wheel drive which can be changed to 2WD, but the low gear and high gear settings options remain.

Meanwhile, AWD means the car is always in a condition where all wheels are driving. In this car there is no setting option for low gear or high gear. Meanwhile, Auto AWD is a car that can be switched to 2WD and 4WD systems automatically according to the road conditions being traveled.

Even though they vary, basically these cars can use a four-wheel drive system. This system is designed for a special purpose, namely maximizing traction from all four wheels simultaneously.

Traction is the maximum power that a wheel can exert on the surface being traversed. If the traction that can be provided is better, the power the wheels provide to the surface to move the car will also improve.

This advantage affects the acceleration ability of a 4WD car which is better than a 2WD car. The reason is, traction can be generated from all four wheels. Not surprisingly, this is used by off-road cars that usually traverse bad roads.

4WD traction also makes it easier to control the car on challenging roads. Please note, the 4WD system can deliver maximum torque to the wheels without the possibility of slipping. Torque is the force produced by the engine when it first starts from rest. Not surprisingly, the steering control of a 4WD car is also better than a 2WD car.

This is very useful for cars when passing through slippery or muddy roads. However, when used on smooth roads such as asphalt surfaces, the advantages of 4WD cars in acceleration and control are almost no different from 2WD vehicles.

It's different when used to tow other vehicles. 4WD cars are more capable when compared to 2WD cars. The large torque can be distributed properly to all wheels so that the car is more powerful.

For this reason, 4WD cars are more useful when used on challenging terrain. When daily activities pass through these roads, there is no harm in using them.

However, when the car is used more often on smooth roads, 4WD does not present any special advantages. 4WD cars actually tend to waste more fuel. This cannot be separated from its heavier weight than a 2WD car due to its many components.

In addition, maintenance costs for 4WD cars tend to be higher. A number of components such as differential devices require oil for lubricant which must be replaced regularly. Not only that, the price of a 4WD car which is more expensive than a 2WD car can also be another consideration before owning one.