What does 4WD mean on a car?
2 Answers
4WD on a car stands for four-wheel drive, which refers to the use of a low-ratio transmission to help the vehicle overcome slipping on muddy or snowy roads, similar to driving off-road, on rocky terrain, or over rolling hills. The vehicle must be stationary or moving at low speeds to shift into low-ratio transmission, and the shift is performed via a gear lever or button. 4WD includes three types: full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive: Vehicles equipped with full-time four-wheel drive are always in four-wheel drive mode. Part-time four-wheel drive: This four-wheel drive system can switch between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive via an in-car switch. On-demand four-wheel drive: This four-wheel drive system is typically used in some urban SUV models or some front-engine cars. Vehicles with on-demand four-wheel drive usually operate in front-wheel drive mode during normal driving, and power is only distributed to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip or when maximum acceleration is needed.
4WD stands for four-wheel drive, with the full English name being 4-Wheel Drive. I find it particularly useful for driving in snowy conditions. Last winter when I took my kids skiing, the mountain roads were covered in icy patches, but the 4WD SUV drove steadily without any skidding. The principle is simple: the engine's power is distributed to all four wheels to rotate together, unlike regular cars where only the rear or front wheels provide the power. It might not be commonly used in daily city driving, but if you live in the north with frequent harsh weather or enjoy weekend family trips to the wilderness, 4WD can significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of getting stuck. However, you should also consider the higher fuel consumption, so weigh your actual needs and don’t waste money just for the sake of looking cool.
