Four wheel drive....

[ANTSS2001]

after a recent accident , I have been debating on what size to get the next time and majority of the vehicle I have checked out has four wheel drive. is it hard to learn ? To use ? can some explain the logic of front wheel, back wheel, all wheel and four wheel drive...4x2 and or 4x4

 

[TinkandAriel]

My Rav has push button 4wheel drive...you can be moving when you switch into 4wheel drive, just not real fast. Some vehicles have "on the fly" 4wheel drive, where you can switch into 4wheel drive when you are moving. I don't drive long distances in 4wheel drive, as it's not advised to drive full speed while in 4wheel drive, hard on the parts or some such thing. Dh's old truck, you had to get out and lock in the hubs (turn them on the front tires) to switch into 4wheel drive. His new truck has automatic hubs. Each is a bit different, but here in 4wheel country (I live 1/2 way up a mountain), it's second nature.

 

[Charade]

Most newer 4-wheel drive systems (also referred to as "all wheel drive") are automatic and kick in when needed (think Subaru). Some require you to throw a lever (or push a button) to engage the system.

The main thing to be aware of is when can the system be used. Systems labeled as "full time" or "all wheel" will most likely be able to be used anytime on any road surface at any speed. Other systems that need to be engaged manually (button or lever) might not be able to be used on dry or just rainy streets or it will cause damage to the system. They are only meant for slippery surfaces such as snow or dirt.

You also need to be aware of when the system can be engaged if it's not automatic. Most systems will allow you to engage the system (button or lever) up to a certain speed while you're moving. Some older systems (trucks mainly) require you to stop completely (and maybe even get out) to engage it.

A lot of people don't know that a sedan (or whatever vehicle type) will handle better than it's 2-wheel drive (front or rear drive) counterpart in conditions other than snow or other slippery surfaces when in "all wheel" "used anytime anywhere" drive systems. Most newer system have little impact in gas mileage.

I used to own a 98 Dodge Durango that had a system that could be engaged (by a lever) at speeds up to 55mph and could be used on any road surface. The handling difference in the rain (and obviously in snow/dirt) was quite noticeable since it was rear-wheel drive.

The Ford Escape (2001) had a system that engaged automatically. It also allowed me to engage it manually (by a button) but the system was not the type that could be used anywhere/anytime. It was to be used on slippery (not even rainy streets) surfaces only (like snow/dirt).

Read the description carefully.

 

[ANTSS2001]

Most newer 4-wheel drive systems (also referred to as "all wheel drive") are automatic and kick in when needed (think Subaru). Some require you to throw a lever (or push a button) to engage the system.

The main thing to be aware of is when can the system be used. Systems labeled as "full time" or "all wheel" will most likely be able to be used anytime on any road surface at any speed. Other systems that need to be engaged manually (button or lever) might not be able to be used on dry or just rainy streets or it will cause damage to the system. They are only meant for slippery surfaces such as snow or dirt.

You also need to be aware of when the system can be engaged if it's not automatic. Most systems will allow you to engage the system (button or lever) up to a certain speed while you're moving. Some older systems (trucks mainly) require you to stop completely (and maybe even get out) to engage it.

A lot of people don't know that a sedan (or whatever vehicle type) will handle better than it's 2-wheel drive (front or rear drive) counterpart in conditions other than snow or other slippery surfaces when in "all wheel" "used anytime anywhere" drive systems. Most newer system have little impact in gas mileage.

I used to own a 98 Dodge Durango that had a system that could be engaged (by a lever) at speeds up to 55mph and could be used on any road surface. The handling difference in the rain (and obviously in snow/dirt) was quite noticeable since it was rear-wheel drive.

The Ford Escape (2001) had a system that engaged automatically. It also allowed me to engage it manually (by a button) but the system was not the type that could be used anywhere/anytime. It was to be used on slippery (not even rainy streets) surfaces only (like snow/dirt).

Read the description carefully.

thank you for a detailed note...

"Part-Time 4-Wheel Drive with A750F 5-Speed Automatic Transmission.
This drivetrain uses the S20DNF front differential also used on 4Runner V6 models and the 4x4 Tacoma; it also gets the VF2A transfer case for shift-on-the-fly operation of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in high and operation of low range when moving at speeds less than 5 MPH. "

this is the option that is included in the car

 

[Hercules10]

Just a note that I have a full time 4WD 4Runner and I love it. Simply cannot lose traction with that thing. Rain or sun.

Also ask about their ratios. Many times 4X4 means a distribution of less power to the front wheels then the rear wheel. Usually all-wheel drive means 50/50 distribution front and back.

 

[ANTSS2001]

Ok I finally made my purchase... I got the FJ Cruiser and it is a part time 4X4 and it has 2 shift gears... anybody ??

I have been driving on D with the smaller shift gears on H2 .. thats the only thing the sales rep know to tell me...