What does the 'three locks' mean in the Tank 300?
2 Answers
The Tank 300 features 'three locks,' which does not literally mean it has three differential locks. Instead, due to the inherent structure of its part-time four-wheel-drive system, the vehicle is hard-connected in 4WD mode with a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axles. Locking the front and rear differentials effectively simulates the effect of having 'three locks.' Remember, differential locks can only exist where there are differentials, so don't be misled by the official marketing. More details are as follows: 1. Part-time four-wheel-drive system: This is the most common type in off-road vehicles, primarily due to its mechanical 4WD structure, which offers higher reliability and better off-road capability. Vehicles with this system typically have 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, allowing switching between 2WD and 4WD via a transfer case. On paved roads, 2H mode is usually used, while 4H is suitable for slippery conditions like rain or snow. 4L mode is engaged only in severe off-road situations or when extra traction is needed, providing greater torque through the transfer case's low-speed ratio. 2. Full-time four-wheel-drive system: As the name suggests, this system delivers power to all four wheels at all times, minimizing slippage and loss of control, thus offering high safety. It's commonly found in luxury-brand sedans or SUVs, such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. 3. On-demand four-wheel-drive: This is the most frequently seen system, used in most urban SUVs. On city roads, it operates like a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle, keeping engine load and fuel consumption low. On slippery surfaces like rain or snow, the system intelligently distributes torque to the wheels with the best traction to enhance stability.
As an off-road vehicle enthusiast, the three differential locks on the Tank 300 have always been a key focus for me. They refer to the front differential lock, rear differential lock, and center differential lock. The function of these locks is to engage the differential in the relevant section when wheels slip on rough terrain, forcing all wheels to rotate synchronously. The front lock secures the front wheels, the rear lock controls the rear wheels, and the center lock connects the front and rear axles. In actual off-road scenarios, such as mud or steep slopes, this prevents power loss caused by a single wheel losing traction, making it much easier for the vehicle to escape tough situations. I've tested similar models with only one or two locks, and climbing becomes much more strenuous, whereas the Tank 300's triple-lock combination significantly improves off-road capability. The operation is also user-friendly, with one-touch switching via the central control buttons, ensuring a more stable drive.
