What do 4L and 4H mean in a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
3 Answers
4L and 4H in a four-wheel-drive vehicle refer to: 4L is the four-wheel-drive low gear, with the full name being 4WD Low. 4L provides high torque and is suitable for low-speed driving. 4H is the four-wheel-drive high gear, with the full name being 4WD High. It is typically suitable for quickly passing through rain, snow, or uneven road surfaces, offering strong stability, grip, and handling. During driving, all four wheels move independently, making it a high-turning-limit transmission method on roads, allowing optimal driving force distribution to each wheel during high-speed turns. Four-wheel-drive vehicle tires have excellent traction and steering force, making them part of the active safety system.
As an experienced driver who has been driving a 4WD SUV for several years, I think understanding 4L and 4H is crucial. Simply put, 4H is the high-speed four-wheel drive mode, used on regular roads or for light off-roading like gravel roads, maintaining normal speed and stability. When you switch to 4H, the vehicle can better handle slippery or bumpy conditions, preventing skidding. But when you shift to 4L mode, that’s low-speed four-wheel drive, designed for serious off-roading, such as climbing steep slopes, wading through deep mud, or towing heavy loads. It reduces speed but increases torque, giving the vehicle extra pulling power. The key is to switch modes when stopped or at low speeds, otherwise, you risk damaging the transfer case. I made this mistake as a beginner, and the repair costs were hefty. Now I’ve learned my lesson—I check the manual and practice switching before off-roading. Using these modes correctly makes driving safer and more worry-free, especially in rain or snow.
I've been off-roading for years, and 4L and 4H are like my old buddies, useful in every scenario. 4H is handy on dirt roads or small hills, maintaining a decent speed with moderate power. But when facing rugged terrain, I immediately switch to 4L—it slows things down and boosts torque, making steep climbs or muddy pits a breeze. Once in a swamp, 4H alone got me stuck, but shifting to 4L had the car roaring out in no time. This mode doesn’t strain the engine, but remember to switch only when stopped to avoid drivetrain damage. In daily use, misusing 4L (like on highways) can spike fuel consumption or even break parts. My advice? Test different conditions to get a feel for it, making every adventure both thrilling and safe.
