All-wheel Drive (AWD)
All-wheel drive sends engine power to all four wheels to improve traction.
What is All-wheel Drive (AWD)?
Permanent AWD drives all wheels all the time; on-demand systems engage the second axle when slip is detected. Four-wheel drive (4WD) usually refers to off-road systems with a transfer case and low range. Many crossovers use front-wheel drive most of the time and engage the rear axle through a multi-plate clutch when needed.
How it works
A centre differential or coupling divides torque between front and rear axles.
Why it matters for your car
Mismatched tyres can strain AWD systems. Many need specific fluids for couplings and differentials. Towing an AWD car with one axle on the ground can damage the drivetrain; follow the manual.
Other terms
- Battery Recycling
- Brake Fluid Level Sensor
- Clutch Slave Cylinder
- Coachbuilder
- Cold Start
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Engine Valve
- Engine Warm-up
- Grab Handle
- Hub-centric Rings (Centring Rings)
- Liftback
- Matching Numbers
- Memory Seats
- NMC Battery (Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
- Oil Cooler
- Safe Exit Warning (Exit Warning)
- Six-Volt Electrical System
- Start-stop System
- Track Day
- Wastegate