What does AWD mean on a car?
2 Answers
AWD on a car refers to the All-Wheel Drive system, which is commonly equipped on off-road vehicles and high-performance sedans. The All-Wheel Drive system is a driving device where all four wheels independently propel the vehicle at all times. It distributes driving force to all four tires through a central differential and independent differentials on the front and rear axles. The functions of the All-Wheel Drive system are: 1. On hard surfaces or during rainy turns, the speed difference between the front and rear wheels is absorbed by the central differential, providing more reliable four-wheel traction; 2. On snowy, icy, or swampy terrain, the central differential is locked, and it is unlocked when returning to normal road conditions.
I often drive long distances back to my hometown, and during rainy or snowy weather, I'm really glad I bought an AWD car. Simply put, AWD means all-wheel drive, where all four wheels provide power, unlike front-wheel drive cars where only the front wheels do the work. This makes the car much more stable on snow or when taking corners, reducing the risk of skidding or losing control. However, it's heavier than regular two-wheel-drive cars, consuming 1-2 liters more fuel, and the tires wear out faster. Brands like Subaru and Audi are particularly good at making AWD systems. Remember, even the best AWD can't beat winter tires, so make sure to switch them when winter comes.
