AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?
Automobile manufacturers equip their vehicles with some really beneficial features that help you safely navigate a variety of road conditions while you're driving. If you're looking at a vehicle with traction in mind, you might want to know more about the differences that exist between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. People often confuse these functions as the same thing, but they are actually very different in how they work and how a vehicle is set up.
What is All-Wheel Drive?
All-wheel drive vehicles have a powertrain that provides power to the front and rear wheels. This can be done in full-time mode as well as part-time. Full-time all-wheel drive means that all four of the wheels are moving simultaneously. The part-time all-wheel drive function only powers two of the wheels. You'll generally see that your vehicle is driving in part-time mode unless it senses that more traction is necessary to help you maintain safety. The change is automatic; you won't need to press any kind of button or pull any lever to make the switch.
What is Four-Wheel Drive?
A lot of four-wheel drive vehicles are on the market right now, particularly within the SUV and pickup truck market. Four-wheel drive powers front, middle and back differentials thanks to a set of transfer casings and couplings. As torque is provided to all of the wheels in full-time 4WD mode, a part-time mode is also available. There are also low and high-level settings that control the amount of traction that you engage.
Reach out to Crest Cadillac if you'd like to find out more about which of our vehicles are available with all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Our expert staff would be happy to help you by answering any questions that you may have.
