What do 4H and 4L mean in four-wheel drive vehicles?
2 Answers
In four-wheel drive vehicles, 4H stands for high-range four-wheel drive, while 4L stands for low-range four-wheel drive. 4H offers strong stability, traction, and handling performance, and in this mode, the vehicle's speed should be kept below 100 kilometers per hour. 4L provides high torque and is suitable for extreme off-road conditions, such as climbing steep slopes, off-roading, traversing swamps, deserts, and other harsh environments. A four-wheel drive vehicle is equipped with front and rear differentials that link all four wheels for power distribution. Since the engine's power is transmitted to all four tires, all wheels can provide traction. In contrast, a regular two-wheel drive vehicle may lose power in all driving wheels if one of them slips.
When I first started driving a 4WD vehicle, I was also curious about what 4H and 4L meant. Later, a friend told me that 4H stands for high-speed four-wheel drive mode, generally used on paved roads or during rainy and snowy weather to make the car more stable and less prone to skidding. On the other hand, 4L is the low-speed four-wheel drive mode, specifically designed for off-road situations like climbing steep slopes or driving through mud, increasing torque to allow the engine to output more power but at a slower speed. I tried it once in the countryside when I encountered rough terrain; switching to 4L made it easy to get through. However, I had to switch back to 4H afterward to avoid wasting fuel. Remember not to use 4L on good roads for too long, as it could damage the drivetrain. Overall, these two switches are thoughtfully designed, allowing flexible adjustments based on different road conditions. I often use them now while driving, especially during winter trips for added safety.
