There are subtle differences between how a vehicle transfers power to four wheels, but they all allow the increased traction that driving with all four wheels provides. There are positives and drawbacks to each system, but they all accomplish the same end goal. We know them all, and can service any 4×4, 4WD, or AWD drivetrain to ensure your vehicle is properly driving with four wheels.
4×4, 4 Wheel Drive, and All Wheel Drive are all terms used to describe a the drivetrain of a vehicle that powers all four wheels individually. The drivetrain is the system of components that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. In a 4×4 or 4-wheel drive vehicle, power is transferred to all four wheels. In an all wheel drive vehicle, power is transferred to all four wheels at all times or when traction sensors detect that more traction is needed.
There are many different types of 4×4, 4WD, and AWD systems, but they all work by transferring power from the engine to the wheels. In a 4WD system, this is done through a transfer case, which splits the power between the front and rear axles. In an AWD system, the power is usually transferred through a viscous coupling, which allows the front and rear axles to spin at different speeds.
4×4 systems are typically used for off-road driving. They are designed to provide maximum traction in difficult conditions, such as mud, snow, and sand. 4×4 systems typically have a low-range gear that provides even more torque to the wheels, which can be helpful when climbing steep hills, pulling heavy loads, or in low traction scenarios.
4 wheel drive systems are similar to 4×4 systems, but they are designed for more on-road use. They provide excellent traction in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow, but they may not be as powerful as 4×4 systems.
All wheel drive systems are designed for all-around use. They offer the best of both worlds, providing great traction on and off road. All wheel drive systems are very popular because they reliably provide traction as road conditions change.
4×4, 4 wheel drive, and all wheel drive systems all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best system for you will depend on how you plan to use your vehicle. If you do a lot of off-road driving, then a 4×4 system is the best option. If you mostly drive on paved roads, then a 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive system may be a better choice.
All 4×4, 4WD, and AWD systems work differently, and they require different maintenance according to the manufacturer of the vehicle. You must regularly service or replace the fluid in the front differential, rear differential, and transfer case.
Trucks and cars that drive with four wheels have more complex drivetrains. That means more can go wrong. The U-joint can break or fail, the drive shaft can break, and the internals in the transfer case can need to be serviced on all 4×4, 4WD, and AWD drive vehicles.
We have the knowledge and tools required to work on all vehicles with four wheels, including 4×4, 4WD, and AWD cars and trucks. We have four wheel drive hub sockets, bearing presses to rebuild transfer cases, U-joint press, and everything other tool needed to service your four wheel drive vehicle.
There’s nothing better than a car or truck with the capability to send power from the engine to all four of your wheels for driving in Colorado. We know this because we drive 4×4, 4WD, and AWD vehicles every day.