Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Rear-wheel drive sends power to the rear wheels, while the front wheels only steer.
What is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)?
It is common in sports cars, premium saloons and many pickups. It gives balanced handling and no torque steer. It can oversteer more easily on slippery roads. Many electric cars use a rear motor, giving them rear-wheel drive.
How it works
A propeller shaft carries power from the gearbox to a rear differential.
Why it matters for your car
Winter tyres and gentle throttle matter more on snow and ice. Electronic stability control helps keep the rear in line.
Other terms
- Choke (Cold Start Enrichment)
- Downforce
- EV Mode (Electric-only Mode)
- Exhaust Resonator
- Gas Strut (Gas Spring)
- Handbrake Cable
- Horsepower (Power)
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Overrun Brake (Trailer Inertia Brake)
- Power Steering Fluid
- Rinseless Wash
- Thermostat Housing
- Three-Cylinder Engine
- Tie Rod End
- Understeer
- Vinyl Wrap (Car Wrapping)
- Water Spots
- Wheel Balancing
- Wheel Cylinder
- Wheel Nut Torque