What does 4WD mean in a car?

[DelHarper]

4WD stands for "Four-Wheel Drive," which means all four wheels have driving force. 4WD includes three forms: full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive. In the early years, four-wheel drive was mainly used in hardcore off-road vehicles, but now it is also used in urban SUVs, as well as many mid-to-high-end sedans and luxury sports cars. Below is an introduction to full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive: 1. Full-time four-wheel drive: Cars equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system are always in four-wheel drive. This system is commonly found in some luxury SUV models. 2. Part-time four-wheel drive: This four-wheel-drive system allows switching between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive via a switch inside the car. Most off-road vehicles with part-time four-wheel drive have a low-range four-wheel-drive function. When switched to low-range four-wheel drive, the torque on the wheels is further amplified, helping the car escape difficult situations. 3. On-demand four-wheel drive: This four-wheel-drive system is generally used in some urban SUV models or some front-engine cars. Cars equipped with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system usually operate in front-wheel drive, and power is only distributed to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip or during full acceleration. On-demand four-wheel drive has lower costs and fuel consumption, making it suitable for use in some urban SUVs and sedans.

[LilyLynn]

4WD stands for four-wheel drive. From my own experience, driving this type of vehicle for urban commuting is very comfortable, especially on rainy or snowy days. With all wheels providing power, it's much less prone to slipping, significantly enhancing safety. One winter, while driving to work on slippery roads, my 4WD SUV remained stable, whereas my friend's two-wheel-drive car nearly skidded off the road. The downside is slightly higher fuel consumption—about an extra liter per 100 kilometers on highways—but it's a worthwhile investment. Beyond harsh weather, I often use it for family camping trips to the suburbs, easily handling muddy trails. Nowadays, many SUVs come standard with intelligent 4WD systems that automatically adjust power distribution to adapt to various road conditions. For those frequently facing unpredictable weather or who love traveling, I highly recommend prioritizing such vehicles—they're safe and practical.

[DiChloe]

4WD refers to the four-wheel drive system, a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. I always enjoy taking my modified Jeep on adventures through rugged mountains. With all wheels working together, it can easily navigate through mud, steep slopes, or sand dunes without getting stuck, delivering an exhilarating sense of conquering nature. In off-road mode, engaging the locking differential ensures even power distribution and strong traction, making it easy to climb out even if a wheel gets stuck. Last time, I challenged a half-meter-deep stream section, and with all four wheels pushing synchronously, I passed through safely—it was thrilling. The downside is higher fuel consumption, so for long trips, it's best to fill up the tank in advance, but it's worth it for those adventurous moments. On paved roads, I switch to two-wheel drive mode to save fuel. 4WD not only excels off-road but also adds reliability to long-distance travel. I highly recommend it for outdoor lovers.

[BraydenAnn]

4WD stands for a system where all four wheels of a car are driving the vehicle forward. When I first learned to drive, I didn't understand this term either, but later realized it helps the car stay more stable on slippery roads, such as after rain or during snowy conditions, making it less prone to skidding. My first car was two-wheel drive, and it was often nerve-wracking to handle in winter. After switching to a new car with four-wheel drive, driving became much easier. It enhances traction by distributing power to all wheels, making it ideal for northern or rainy regions. Although it consumes slightly more fuel, the added safety is worth it. If you're new to driving, don't be intimidated by the terminology—choosing a 4WD vehicle means having an extra layer of protection in harsh conditions.