Different cars come with different wheel configurations. Unfortunately, many car owners are not familiar with these configurations and hence do not make an educated choice when purchasing vehicles.
The wheel configuration of your car is usually highlighted on the car’s manual. Alternatively, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number to get a vehicle history report on car websites. You can also investigate it by yourself by looking at the engines and whether your vehicle has a front- and rear-drive axle on the underside.
This article explains the key differences between two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles as well as how you can tell whether your current car is either of the two.
How Do I Know if My Car Is 2WD or 4WD?
If you are unsure which type of wheel configuration your vehicle has, it is now possible to figure it out. You can either investigate yourself or refer to the car’s manual.
Usually, you can find the answer by going through the car’s manual which will indicate the wheel configuration and how to engage.
Also, some cars feature a badging (usually on the liftgate or sides) that indicates if it is 4WD. Car manufacturers love to market their cars’ features, thus you are likely to find a 4WD or 4X4 written somewhere.
Moreover, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to access your vehicle’s history report from related websites. You can also inquire from your service technician at any local dealership.
However, if you want to investigate yourself, you can do so by checking the engine. The general rule of thumb is that the engines on 4WDs are longitudinally mounted with belts on the front. Also, you can check for a front- and rear-drive axle on the underside of the vehicle for 2WD.
What Is an AWD Vehicle?
An AWD vehicle comes with both 2WD and 4WD capabilities. The vehicle is designed to give power to every corner of the vehicle. Also, they are capable of delivering maximum traction even on acceleration.
Therefore, they are well suited for normal roads use, mild off-road use, as well as wet and slippery conditions. Their main advantage is the safety they offer with the better grip on the 4WD system.
What Is the Difference Between 2WD and 4WD?
Vehicles are categorized into 2WD, 4WD, or AWD. With that in mind, the right vehicle for your needs will depend on the terrain and conditions you often drive on. Also, it will depend on your daily driving activities.
2WD vehicles tend to be smaller than 4WDs. They are only powered by two wheels, and it could be the front or rear. 4WDs, on the other hand, is powered by all their four wheels. This translates to more power than 2WDs. Let’s dig deeper into these two types of vehicles.
2WD Vehicles
2WD vehicles have a higher percentage as most cars are in this category. Only two wheels are designed to be spun by the engine. 2WD vehicles are available in two categories; front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Front-Wheel Drive
A front-wheel-drive 2WD is the most common design. In these vehicles, the engine powers the two front wheels. One advantage of this engine design is that it is cheaper to make. Moreover, they are space efficient compared to the rear-wheel design.
These engines are preferred by many since they offer better traction when driving uphill since the weight of the engine is balanced on the front wheels. One downside, however, is that the design overworks the front wheels in that they perform two tasks; steering and driving.
Rear-Wheel Drive
The design is such that the engine powers the two rear wheels. This design is mostly used on trucks and pick-ups that carry heavy loads—the concept is that the heavy loads give better traction.
Rear-wheel drives are also adopted for SUVs, sports vehicles, and luxury vehicles with improved handling. The advantage that these vehicles enjoy is the optimized suspension handling as the front wheels work for steering only. You also enjoy enhanced speeds.
Pros and Cons of 2WD Vehicles
Pros
- 2WDs are the more affordable option
- They are fuel-efficient
- They tend to be lighter, hence more agile
Cons
- They deliver less power
- These vehicles are not suited for all terrains
4WD Vehicles
4WD, or 4X4 vehicles, are designed such that the engine gives power to all four wheels, hence the car is powered by all wheels. They are ideal for off-road driving, low traction roads, and driving up steep hills.
However, they are not suitable for regular roads. Thankfully, with most 4WD models, you can switch between 4WD and 2WD at will, either manually or automatically. So, when driving on regular roads, you do not have to power all four wheels.
If the 4WD is engaged for a long time, it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle and increased fuel consumption. These vehicles have the advantage of providing more traction.
Pros and Cons of 4WD Vehicles
Pros
- They are good for off-road traction
- You can switch to 2WD when need be.
Cons
- They are heavier
- They have more fuel consumption
- These vehicles are expensive
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Any time you are in the market for a new vehicle, there are several factors that you need to consider. Among them is whether you need a 2WD or 4WD vehicle. The aspects of 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vary in use, functionality, and efficiency. With that, you can decide which best suits your needs.
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