What does it mean when the Ford Kuga 4WD is turned off?
3 Answers
Ford Kuga 4WD being turned off indicates that the car's battery is low on power. Below are some relevant tips on car battery maintenance: 1. Avoid leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods: The battery installed in the car will self-discharge over time when left idle. It is best to drive the car at least once a week, preferably for a trip lasting more than 20 minutes, to allow the battery to recharge while driving. 2. Close windows before turning off the engine: The power windows and sunroof operate using battery power. Therefore, it is advisable to close all windows before turning off the engine, rather than after, or even using the long-press lock button method to close windows after leaving the car. 3. Keep the battery clean and tidy: Regular inspections are an effective way to extend the lifespan of your car battery. Use a professional battery terminal brush or an old toothbrush to clean dust and corrosion from the positive and negative terminals. Applying a layer of Vaseline or grease to the contact surfaces can form a protective film.
I usually drive a Ford Kuga, and its 4WD off function disables the four-wheel-drive system and switches to front-wheel-drive mode. This is particularly fuel-efficient for city driving because reducing the engine load after turning off 4WD can lower fuel consumption by about 1.5 to 2 points. I once tried turning it off on the highway and felt the car became lighter and more agile in handling. However, be careful not to turn it off on rainy days or snowy roads, as the tires may skid more easily, increasing the risk of accidents. The manual states that this mode should only be used on dry paved roads, not for off-roading or rough terrain. Long-term use can save some fuel costs—if you drive a lot, you might save a few dozen bucks a month.
When driving my Ford Kuga on mountain roads, I researched this 4WD deactivation feature. It's designed with a dashboard button - a single press switches the drivetrain to front-wheel-only 2WD mode. The advantage is improved fuel efficiency, especially noticeable during long-distance driving where it saves some consumption, working out to a reduction of zero point several liters per 100km. Additionally, deactivating it on flat highways makes cornering responses smoother and less rigid. But don't misuse it: I recommend keeping 4WD engaged when traversing muddy terrain or steep slopes to prevent slipping. Before each deactivation, ensure tire pressure is normal as imbalance may otherwise occur. This feature suits daily commuting - frequent use for short trips can also extend maintenance intervals.
