What is the Function of On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive?
2 Answers
On-demand four-wheel drive functions by switching to four-wheel drive only when necessary, while remaining in two-wheel drive under normal conditions. The system automatically shifts between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes based on the vehicle's driving conditions without requiring manual intervention. On-demand four-wheel drive means that when encountering poor road surfaces or wheel slippage, the computer automatically detects and immediately redistributes the engine's torque to the front wheels, naturally switching to four-wheel drive mode, making it simpler to use. Each driven wheel of the car must have a differential to enable turning on high-traction surfaces, as the wheels rotate at different speeds during a turn.
I think the part-time 4WD is like an intelligent bodyguard for the car. On good roads, it only drives two wheels, which saves a lot of fuel, perfect for city commuters like me. But when encountering rain, snow, icy roads, or muddy conditions, the car detects wheel slip and instantly switches to four-wheel drive, significantly improving traction and making the drive much more stable. Once during a snowstorm, my car almost slid into a ditch, but the system intervened immediately and saved the situation. It's more convenient than manual 4WD—no need to switch it on or off manually—automatically balancing performance and economy. Plus, modern sensors are so sensitive and react lightning-fast, making driving safer without worrying about fuel costs. This design is so well-suited to our daily lives, especially recommended for friends who frequently drive between urban and suburban areas.
