Though available on many vehicles built for off-roading and driving in difficult conditions, the proper use of four-wheel-driving is largely misunderstood.

All too familiar with the misuse of this highly-efficient driving tool. When used properly, AWD can improve your driving ability and help you get you out of sticky (or slippery) driving conditions.

Four-wheel drive allows the front and back wheels to turn at different, complementary speeds based on an internal control system.

Now that we have that basics covered, let’s talk about different 4WD options and how to get the most out of them based on driving conditions.

Understanding 4WD Systems

Before we get into talking about 4WD we have to first talk about 2WD. This involves the vehicle’s power being sent to the back wheels for regular road conditions. It is just as important to understand when and how to use your 4WD options as it is when not to use them. Using 4WD in situations where it is not necessarily can lead to unnecessary damage to your vehicle and costly repairs. If the road is even and dry, like a regular paved road on a day with no precipitation, you’re betting off using 2WD.

4WD Auto

4WD auto is the most common setting in today’s vehicles. It means that your car will stay in 2WD until your vehicle deems it suitable to switch into 4WD based on road conditions. Once the internal control system detects the wheel slipping, 4WD is activated and some of the more advanced internal control systems are also engaged.

4WD High

The next option we’re looking at is 4WD high. The easiest way to remember how and when to use 4WD high is – high speeds, low traction. These conditions include driving through sand, gravel, snow and wet conditions that are not particularly steep.

4WD Low

Staying below 40 km/h will not provide more traction per se but will cause less strain on your vehicle and provide more torque to get through difficult driving conditions.

Using your 4WD system can be easy once you understand the basics. To summarize, here are some helpful tips for 4WD driving:

Do not engage your 4WD system in flat, dry scenarios. This could cause damage to your vehicle.

• 4WD High; use for high speeds, low traction. For use above 40kmph (25mph) for added control in non-steep, slippery situations like snow mud and rain.
• 4WD Low; use for low speeds, low traction. For use below 40kmph (25mph) in steep, difficult slippery situations like thick mud, shallow waters, boulders and steep slopes (common off-roading scenarios).

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