True AWD<\/strong>\u201d by enthusiasts. If your vehicle offers an AWD lock option, it means that it can keep the AWD on constantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the benefits of having AWD?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n To understand how AWD can help you, it\u2019s important to understand how the other drivetrain systems work too. In this section, we\u2019ll go through the other possible modes briefly, and finally, we\u2019ll discuss how AWD stands out from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Front Wheel Drive-FWD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n FWD, or Front Wheel Drive is a drivetrain system where the engine supplies power to the front wheels only. So, essentially, only the front wheels drag the entirety of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some great pros to this. Firstly, it leads to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Secondly, one can expect better fuel economy in the FWD system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, it offers better traction over terrains such as snow as the weight of the engine is directly over the front wheels. It also helps in maneuvering. However, enthusiasts don\u2019t prefer FWD because it\u2019s not as enjoyable to drive as an RWD or AWD vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rear Wheel Drive- RWD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n RWD, or Rear Wheel Drive, is where the engine supplies all the power to the rear wheels. RWD offers a better weight balance and higher speeds. However, these aren\u2019t as great in rough weather conditions as they make maneuvering hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four-Wheel Drive- 4WD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n While the terms AWD and 4WD are often used interchangeably, they don\u2019t mean the same things. Four-wheel drive is a special system that\u2019s mostly present in vehicles fit for the off-road experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All Wheel Drive- AWD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Unlike the front and rear wheel drive systems, the All Wheel Drive system provides power to both the front and rear axles using a front, rear, and central differential. The best part about AWD is that it\u2019s constantly providing power to all the wheels at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, you don\u2019t have to switch the drivetrain manually. Rather, if either the front or rear axle requires additional power to keep the vehicle in control or to accelerate, the system will instantly and automatically provide the required energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AWD is considered great for different kinds of weather situations. It performs amazinglyin rainy and snowy conditions. However, it doesn\u2019t work that well in mountainous regions or off-road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a lot of people are aware that AWD works great on snow, ice, and rainy roads, a lot of them don\u2019t know that it offers extra benefits too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As all four wheels are engaged in this mode, AWD allows you to accelerate faster. This is why certain sports cars tend to come with an AWD system, as the added torque on all four wheels can help you make a huge difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then again, some luxury cars are coming with electronic AWD systems now. These systems offer greater balance and driving stability while maintaining the low weight of a regular 2WD vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These vehicles mainly focus the energy on the rearwheels when driving on a dry road. However, when you switch to an icy road, the vehicle automatically detects it and<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there\u2019s a major con to the AWD system. This system adds some extra weight to the vehicle. Thus, it makes the vehicle less fuel efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, when it comes to choosing the appropriate drivetrain, you need to check if the trade-off is worth what you\u2019re sacrificing for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you live in an area where it rains often and you don\u2019t have to veer off-road often, then you should consider getting an AWD system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Difference Between AWD and 4WD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve stated previously, AWD and 4WD are very different, although they\u2019re often used interchangeably. Both of them send power to all four wheels, and both can help retain traction while driving on snowy or rainy roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in icy regions, the AWD has an upperhand over the 4WD as it offers better stability and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, the 4WD is amazing in situations where the AWD falls short. For example, it\u2019s great for off-road, mountain trails, and sandy or gravel roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then again, just like the AWD system, the 4WD is less fuel efficient because it too puts extra weight on the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you get confused between the two, the easiest way to differentiate them would be to consider their use cases. If you\u2019re planning on driving on-road, AWD is for you. 4WD is perfect for off-road driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n