Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4×4)
Four-wheel drive usually means a system that can lock power to both axles, often with low-range gearing for off-road use.
What is Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4×4)?
Part-time 4WD should be engaged only on loose or slippery surfaces. Unlike most AWD systems, it may have no centre differential. It is common on pickups and off-road vehicles. Full-time 4WD systems have a centre differential and can be used on all surfaces.
How it works
A transfer case splits power between front and rear axles, sometimes locking them together.
Why it matters for your car
Using part-time 4WD on dry tarmac can strain the drivetrain. Read the handbook for when and how to select 4WD and low range.
Other terms
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Badge (Emblem)
- Carbon Cleaning (Intake Decarbonising)
- Coolant Temperature Warning Light
- Final Drive
- Frame Damage (Structural Damage)
- Low-Profile Tyre
- Oversteer
- Permitted Axle Load
- Post-crash Safety Inspection
- Pre-purchase Inspection
- PWM Signal (Pulse-width Modulation)
- Rear-Engine Layout
- Recirculation Mode
- Tachometer (Rev Counter)
- Tyre Bead
- Tyre Bulge (Sidewall Bubble)
- Tyre Rotation
- Valet Mode
- Wh/km And kWh/100 Km (EV Consumption)