Whether it’s for the practicality or performance, owning a 4WD or AWD vehicle comes with several benefits. But all those advantages must come at a cost, right? Do they really require more maintenance than their front and rear-wheel drive counterparts? Keep reading to learn all about maintaining your 4WD or AWD vehicle and what it requires.
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Drivetrain Differences
The short answer is that yes, most four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles do require more maintenance. That’s because each type of drivetrain works differently to power the car. With front-wheel drive vehicles, the engine pushes power only to the front two wheels. FWD vehicles are becoming the most common among all vehicle types due to their performance in muddy or hilly conditions. On the other hand, RWD transfers engine power to the back wheels. This setup is ideal for trucks that haul heavy loads or high-performance sports cars.
Both 4WD and AWD allows power to all four wheels at once, spreading power in slightly different ways. AWD can distribute power in unequal amounts to each wheel depending on the condition, while 4WD gives all wheels equal power at all times. If you’re a frequent off-roader, consider 4WD for its performance in rocky, uneven, and less-than-ideal driving conditions. Some 4WD vehicles may have a switch to seamlessly change from two-wheel drive to four for more driving options.
Why More Maintenance is Necessary
Now that you have an idea of how each drivetrain works, it’s easy to see why 4WD and AWD both require more maintenance. The main components requiring extra work tend to be the differentials and transfer case. Transfer case fluid needs to be changed more frequently on average, with front and rear differential oil requiring changing around the same time, although that can vary depending on how you use the vehicle. For the most part, trucks used for towing will need more frequent fluid top-offs and changes. If there’s ever any question about frequency of maintenance, always check your owner’s manual or check with a service technician.
There may be a few unexpected costs associated with AWD and 4WD vehicles as well. The main one that many people don’t realize is in the tires. If one wears unevenly or happens to get damaged, you typically can’t replace just that one tier. Tires with uneven wear can actually damage the drivetrain, so you might find that you need to replace all four tires for just one flat.
Although they may require more maintenance, you might find yourself needing (or wanting) an AWD or 4WD vehicle. In that case, you can find your next one here at Carnamic! We have a wide selection of new and used vehicles in all drivetrain styles. Come down to any of our Bay Area locations for personalized service from a knowledgeable member of our sales team who can explain all the intricacies to you, and drive away in your next vehicle today!
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