Is AWD Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive or On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive?
2 Answers
AWD is a full-time four-wheel drive system. There are three types of four-wheel drive systems: full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive. These three systems differ in structure, working principles, and operation methods. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Full-time four-wheel drive system: Vehicles equipped with full-time four-wheel drive always have power, suitable for luxury SUVs and high-performance sedans. This system enhances wheel traction, improving vehicle handling and driving stability. 2. On-demand four-wheel drive system: Vehicles with on-demand four-wheel drive do not always have power; they mostly operate in two-wheel drive and switch to four-wheel drive only under specific road conditions. On-demand four-wheel drive is suitable for SUVs and four-wheel drive sedans. It is relatively low-cost and has a simpler structure. 3. Part-time four-wheel drive system: The structure of part-time four-wheel drive is more complex. It is suitable for off-road vehicles. This system allows drivers to switch between different four-wheel drive modes. Vehicles with part-time four-wheel drive typically have three modes: high-speed four-wheel drive, low-speed four-wheel drive, and high-speed two-wheel drive. Switching to low-speed four-wheel drive mode increases wheel torque, enhancing the vehicle's off-road performance.
AWD stands for All-Wheel Drive, known as Quán Lún Qū Dòng in Chinese, typically representing a full-time four-wheel drive system. This means it constantly distributes power to all wheels, providing superior traction and stability regardless of road conditions. Unlike on-demand four-wheel drive systems that only activate under low-traction scenarios—such as manually switching modes on snowy or muddy roads—AWD automatically monitors wheel speed and road conditions, adjusting power output in real-time to ensure driving safety. Having driven numerous vehicles, I can attest that AWD performs reliably on both urban roads and highways, particularly in rain or snow, reducing skidding incidents for a more secure drive. However, it's worth noting that implementations may vary slightly by brand—some SUVs' AWD systems include limited-slip functionality, but they are fundamentally distinct from on-demand systems, which usually belong to part-time four-wheel-drive designs.