What does the lock mode mean in a four-wheel drive vehicle?
2 Answers
Four-wheel drive lock mode refers to the locking of all four wheels in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Here is some relevant information: 1. All-wheel drive, also known as four-wheel drive, means that both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle have power. It is generally represented by 4x4 or 4WD. If you see these markings on a vehicle, it indicates that the vehicle has four-wheel drive capability. 2. All-wheel drive can be divided into two types: one is full-time all-wheel drive, which means the vehicle is always in all-wheel drive mode. The other is part-time all-wheel drive, which can cut off the power to a specific axle to reduce fuel consumption and wear, and only engage all-wheel drive when needed. 3. AWD can achieve optimal handling at all times. Compared to RWD and FWD, AWD distributes less traction to each driving wheel, so there is less likelihood of traction exceeding the friction between the tires and the ground, meaning the driving wheels are less likely to slip. Clearly, four-wheel drive provides a higher level of traction and handling because the traction is shared by four wheels instead of two. It can handle higher cornering limits, especially on rough or slippery surfaces, which is why AWD has been primarily used in WRC racing since Audi introduced it in the 1980s. 4. Full-time AWD cars tend to have neutral steering tendencies, thanks to the traction being shared by all four wheels. In fact, this is also related to weight distribution, and typically, full-time AWD cars have a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear, making it difficult to experience oversteer.
When I first drove my 4WD SUV, I was also a bit confused about the lock mode. Simply put, it's when you press a button or turn a switch, all four wheels of the vehicle are forcibly locked together to rotate. Normally, when driving on the road, the differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, making it easier to turn; but when encountering slippery terrains like mud, snow, or steep slopes, the wheels are prone to slipping, and that's when the lock mode comes in handy, ensuring each wheel can exert force and the vehicle doesn't get stuck. I must remind you not to misuse it on dry paved roads, as it can make turning difficult and may cause wear and tear on the drivetrain or tire damage. Usually, I mainly turn it on when driving on rural paths or in snowy parking lots, moving at low speeds, and turn it off immediately after the problem is solved, which can save a lot on fuel costs.
