What is the function of full-time four-wheel drive?
2 Answers
The following is an introduction to the functions of full-time four-wheel drive: 1. The full-time drive system has good driving control and tracking performance; 2. With a full-time four-wheel drive system, you can drive smoothly on paved roads; 3. The full-time four-wheel drive system does not require the driver to choose operations. The front and rear wheels always maintain the four-wheel drive mode. When driving, the engine output torque is set at 50:50 on the front and rear wheels to keep the front and rear wheels with equal torque. The following is extended information about four-wheel drive: 1. Four-wheel drive means that both the front and rear wheels of the car have power; 2. Four-wheel drive can distribute the engine output torque in different proportions on all front and rear wheels according to different road conditions to improve the car's driving ability; 3. Four-wheel drive can be divided into three categories: part-time four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive.
I live in a small town in the Northeast, facing heavy snow and icy roads all year round. After driving a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle for several years, I have experienced its tremendous role in bad weather: it actively distributes power to all wheels to prevent skidding or loss of control, especially providing more stability and safety when going up or down hills. Once during a blizzard, while other cars were sliding around on the ice, I was able to drive home smoothly. Although the fuel consumption is slightly higher than that of a two-wheel-drive car—about 10% more—the safety trade-off is worth it. Additionally, pairing it with good tires is crucial; for example, using snow tires in winter can more effectively utilize the AWD performance. If you don’t often encounter severe weather, this feature might be overkill. Regular vehicle inspections are key to avoiding accumulated drivetrain issues. Overall, it makes daily driving more reassuring and less worrisome.