What Can Be Damaged When Towing with Part-Time 4WD?
2 Answers
Lifting the two front wheels and allowing the two rear wheels to touch the ground while towing can easily damage the central differential. Advantages of Front-Wheel-Drive-Based 4WD: Due to its superior handling performance, this layout is commonly used in rally racing, off-road vehicles, and performance cars. The advantages include powerful performance and higher driving capability, while the drawbacks are heavier curb weight and higher fuel consumption. Vehicles Suitable for Part-Time 4WD: Part-time 4WD is commonly used in civilian vehicles. It operates in two-wheel drive when four-wheel drive is not needed, achieving energy savings and emission reduction. When four-wheel drive is required, it can switch driving modes to provide better driving and off-road performance.
I've been driving SUVs for decades and have learned some hard lessons about towing. If you tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle incorrectly, the differential and transmission can easily get ruined. Once, I forgot to disengage the 4WD mode while towing, and the wheels were forced to rotate unevenly, causing severe wear on the driveshaft and gears. The lubrication couldn't keep up, and within days, the transmission started making a loud buzzing noise. The mechanic said all the parts had to be replaced, costing over ten thousand. The key is to shift into neutral or release the differential lock before towing to avoid dry grinding of the driven wheels without lubrication. It's better to just call a flatbed towing service to save trouble. Also, the braking system can be affected—if the wheels rotate without hydraulic brake pressure, long-distance towing can accelerate wear. Always check the manual for details during regular maintenance.
