Is 4H High-Speed Four-Wheel Drive or Low-Speed Four-Wheel Drive?
2 Answers
4H is high-speed four-wheel drive. Here are the relevant details: 1. Slippery roads: If driving on snow or slippery surfaces, using 4H mode is highly suitable, as it ensures sufficient drive wheels while avoiding excessive driving force that could cause wheel slippage. 2. Climbing: Due to its high driving force, 4L mode is ideal for climbing slopes or off-road conditions, maximizing the vehicle's power. 3. High-speed: High-speed four-wheel drive is not suitable for highway driving. For part-time four-wheel-drive vehicles, dry paved roads are not appropriate for 4H or 4L modes; only 2H mode should be selected.
I've been in the off-road scene for over a decade and often help newcomers with such questions. 4H stands for High Range Four Wheel Drive, meaning high-speed four-wheel drive, suitable for driving fast on highways or light off-road surfaces. For example, during my last desert expedition, I maintained 90 km/h in 4H mode on the highway with excellent traction and reasonable fuel consumption. In contrast, 4L is Low Range Four Wheel Drive, used for low-speed gear when climbing rocks or steep slopes. Important note: always come to a complete stop before switching modes to avoid transmission damage. Prolonged 4WD use accelerates tire wear - I recommend checking tire condition and 4WD system linkage every 5,000 km. Ultimately, understanding these modes significantly enhances both driving safety and enjoyment.
