The automotive industry is filled with different vehicles and drivetrains that each carry their own benefits, and you\u2019ve probably heard of the two most important; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). Both systems essentially provide the same advantages to your vehicle, but they differ in some ways as well. We\u2019ll show you the difference between All Wheel Drive and Four Wheel Drive right here at Carville\u2019s Auto Mart!<\/p>\n
The difference between AWD and 4WD comes when we discuss their respective complexities and processes. We\u2019ll first describe how differentials work:<\/p>\n
Putting it plainly, a differential is a gear train that is placed under your vehicle on an axle; differentials help to provide torque and power to your wheels. In a Front- or Rear-Wheel Drive vehicle, there\u2019s only one differential to give power to its respective wheel. In AWD and 4WD systems, there are either two or three depending on the system, and they operate in different ways as well.<\/p>\n
In an AWD system there are three differentials, located in the front and rear axles of your vehicle as well as the center. Simply put, because differentials are always working to provide your wheels with power, torque and grip, AWD systems are constantly running no matter what conditions arise on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Have you ever driven a big truck and noticed that you can toggle between drivetrains? That\u2019s a tell-tale sign that you have a 4WD vehicle. In a 4WD system, there are only two differentials at the front and rear axle of your vehicle, connected by a centrally-located transfer case. When you turn on the 4WD system, power is distributed to both differentials through the transfer case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Both All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive essentially do the same thing for your vehicle, but they do it in very different ways. Some may argue that 4WD is a more simplistic system, and some may say that AWD is much more convenient. Whatever the case, both are always a help when the elements are less than ideal.<\/p>\n
Read More: Tips to prepare your car for winter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n If you are interested in driving a vehicle outfitted with either AWD or 4WD, feel free to contact our team<\/a> at Carville\u2019s Auto Mart. We\u2019ll hook you up with the car that you\u2019ve had your eye on!<\/p>\nTest drive a vehicle at Carville\u2019s Auto Mart<\/h2>\n