How to Use a Four-Wheel Drive Pickup Truck?
2 Answers
There is a rotary switch on each of the front wheel axles, located inside the protruding hub on the front axle. This rotary switch is the 4WD/2WD selector. To engage four-wheel drive, turn the rotary switches on both front wheels to the ON position. For two-wheel drive, set them to OFF. Four-wheel drive distributes the engine's power to all four wheels, significantly improving the vehicle's handling and off-road capability. Currently, four-wheel drive systems are generally categorized as follows: Full-time four-wheel drive means the vehicle remains in four-wheel drive mode throughout the entire driving process. This mode offers excellent off-road and handling performance, though no domestic pickup trucks currently feature this system. Full-time all-wheel-drive vehicles provide a more stable and safer driving foundation compared to two-wheel-drive models, especially in extreme road conditions or during aggressive driving, with higher active safety. Part-time four-wheel drive is a manually selectable mode, where the driver can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive by engaging or disengaging the transfer case. This is the more common drive mode in domestic pickup trucks, offering a balance between power, off-road capability, and fuel efficiency. The slight drawback is that the driver must assess road conditions independently and manually switch drive modes while stationary.
When off-roading in my pickup truck, I've found that using the 4WD system requires finesse. The 2WD mode is for regular roads, saving both fuel and vehicle wear. When encountering rainy dirt roads or snow-covered surfaces, promptly switch to high-range 4WD, keeping speed below 80 km/h during gear changes. For steep slopes or rough terrain, you'll need to stop, shift to neutral, and depress the clutch to engage low-range 4WD - this provides maximum torque for the toughest situations. Remember to switch back to high-range 4WD immediately after clearing obstacles; don't run low-range on flat ground for extended periods. After each off-road trip, it's best to check the transfer case oil level and clean mud from the driveshaft - this significantly extends the 4WD system's durability.
