What does 4WD mean in a car?

1 Answers
DelHarper
07/30/25 8:58am
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.
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