What is the difference between part-time four-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive?
1 Answers
The difference between part-time four-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive is: Part-time four-wheel drive means the vehicle is not in four-wheel drive mode all the time. Under normal driving conditions, it operates in two-wheel drive. When encountering rough terrain, the driver can switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive using the transfer case lever in the cabin, providing power to all four wheels to enhance the vehicle's off-road capability. Full-time four-wheel drive means all four wheels continuously receive power, offering an all-weather four-wheel drive mode. Below is more detailed information about part-time and full-time four-wheel drive: 1. Part-time four-wheel drive is equipped with a robust dog clutch-style differential lock between the wheels, allowing for 100% 'rigid' locking (when unlocked, it functions like a standard open differential). In four-wheel drive mode, part-time systems feature a rigid connection between wheels and axles, with fixed overall speed and torque distribution between the front and rear axles. 2. Full-time four-wheel drive, as the name suggests, provides continuous power to all four wheels. In addition to the commonly known open differential between the wheels, it also requires a center differential lock between the front and rear axles. Since all four wheels receive power, full-time four-wheel drive vehicles exhibit superior traction performance.
