When you head to one of the best Boise used car dealers, you are probably looking for a car that can handle rain and snow. While it may be a joke that every year will be as bad as the Snowmageddon of winter 2016 to 2017, you will at least need a car that can tackle a few inches of snow for a few days each year. Plus, you might also want off-roading capabilities to have fun in the summer. In those cases, you will want to look at vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). So, what is the difference between AWD and 4WD, and which is right for you?
What Is AWD?
All-wheel drive is adaptable. The car’s computer automatically decides when to engage all four wheels or when two wheels are enough. This helps balance fuel economy and traction, letting you focus on driving without worrying about flipping any levers or switches. When you head to Nampa used car dealers, you will likely find a wide selection of sedans, compact SUVs, and crossovers that offer AWD.
Most AWD cars allow the computer to change the amount of power sent to each set of wheels or even disconnect power from the front or rear wheels entirely. This is the most common type of AWD, referred to as “part-time all-wheel drive.” It’s helpful when the car detects the wheels slipping and can compensate.
What Is 4WD?
Four-wheel drive, known as 4WD or 4×4, links the front and rear wheels together. It evenly splits the power between both sets. Unlike AWD, which usually powers the front wheels on paved roads, 4WD usually only powers the rear wheels. This makes 4WD systems tougher but also more limited. They are built to handle extreme conditions and are better for off-roading or towing trailers, toy haulers, boats, etc. When you go to a Boise used trucks dealer, you are more likely to see 4WD, as they are most common on full-size SUVs and trucks.
4WD uses a transfer case to split power and make both axles turn at the same speed, generating power even when wheels lose traction. There is usually a toggle for engaging 4WD manually. It’s best to only use all four wheels in slippery conditions, driving off-road, or for low-speed driving. Otherwise, it can prematurely wear the tires out or damage the vehicle. Newer cars might have an automatic system to change between the settings similar to AWD or even special settings for snow, mud, rain, and other conditions.
Which Is Better in the Snow?
It’s best to have the right tires in the snow, as well as chains. With those, AWD vehicles work well in the snow, giving more flexibility than 4WD. If the roads aren’t plowed sufficiently, like State Street right after the snow falls, it might be harder to drive. 4WD cars can also handle snow, but 4WD should be turned off on plowed roads. You also won’t want to take the Flying Y at higher speeds with 4WD on. Instead, 4WD shines most if you need to pull out of a slippery spot or drive slower on snow-covered roads.
Which Is Better Off-Road?
Going off-roading? 4WD tackles mud, rocks, and steep inclines better than AWD. Thanks to 4WD cars often having a low-range transfer case and locking differentials, they shine when heading off the beaten road. AWD cars might have selectable terrain modes and some off-road hardware, but 4WD is the better option.
So, which is the best for you? It all depends on the type of vehicle you’re looking for, along with your driving style. However, if you want to avoid slipping as much as you can in the winter, you can’t go wrong with either. Head to the best local dealership and check out their options!
About DENNIS DILLON
For more than 48 years, DENNIS DILLON has been the Treasure Valley’s premier automotive group for new and used cars. With convenient locations in Boise and serving all the surrounding communities, the auto group strives to offer customers a quality product at a fair price. From a new Nissan or GMC to other Boise used cars, DENNIS DILLON is committed to providing the best car-buying experience in the Treasure Valley. The DENNIS DILLON family of dealerships offers regularly updated inventory, knowledgeable and helpful salespeople, easy financing, and experts available to help you at every step. Buying a new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicle is easy with DENNIS DILLON.
Find the perfect AWD or 4WD vehicle for you at https://www.dennisdillon.com/
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