Right up at the is the new star 4 wheel drive jeep

2 Wheel Drive vs 4 Wheel Drive: Quick Guide

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you have several things to consider before you make a purchase. Even if you know what kind of car or SUV you want to buy, you have to make decisions such as whether you need two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you have several things to consider before you make a purchase. Even if you know what kind of car or SUV you want to buy, you have to make decisions such as whether you need two-wheel or four-wheel drive. This article will discuss the aspects of a 2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Different Car Drivetrains

The drivetrain, which sends power to the car’s wheels, can make a significant difference in how the vehicle handles in rain and snow or on unpaved roads. According to Consumer Reports, passenger vehicles produced for 2012 and onward feature electronic stability control. This feature works with traction control to improve the car’s road-holding functions, regardless of its drivetrain. However, if you’re looking for the best grip, all- and four-wheel drive systems tend to perform better on wet roads.

As Economical notes, two-wheel drive systems come standard on most passenger vehicles. With two-wheel drive, the engine sends power to two of the car’s wheels while allowing the other two wheels to spin. Because the engine doesn’t have to use energy to power all four wheels, and because two-wheel drive systems weigh less than four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter and more fuel-efficient.

Pros and Cons of Two-Wheel Drive

Two-wheel drive vehicles come in either front-wheel or rear-wheel configurations. This means that, depending on the car, the engine sends power to either the front or rear wheels. According to Autotrader, two-wheel drive vehicles are excellent choices for drivers in Southern California, Texas, and the Southeast, because these regions have mild weather conditions. In areas such as the Mid-Atlantic, where you might occasionally see snow, two-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient if that’s what you’re comfortable with.

As Be Forward notes, there are pros and cons to driving two-wheel drive vehicles. The pros include the following:

• Two-wheel drive vehicles are less expensive than four-wheel drive models.
• Two-wheel drive vehicles use less energy to power the wheels, so they are more fuel-efficient.
• Two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter, so they are more agile.

• Two-wheel drive vehicles give you less power than four-wheel drive models.
• Two-wheel drive vehicles are not suitable for all terrains.

Esurance points out that most two-wheel drive vehicles come in a front-wheel drive configuration. Except for a few SUVs models, most SUVs are front-wheel drive and feature extra components that can send power to the rear wheels when necessary. Front-wheel drive systems cost less to make and take up less space than rear-wheel drive configurations. Because a front-wheel drive configuration places the engine’s weight above the front wheels, it also gives you better traction. Front-wheel drive vehicles don’t have the driveline hump needed to accommodate a rear-wheel drive system, so you have more room for passengers and cargo.

Rear-Wheel Drive Configurations

Consumer Reports notes that pickup trucks, SUVs on truck bases, sports cars, high-performance cars, and high-end sedans feature rear-wheel drive systems. With a rear-wheel drive configuration, trucks can accommodate bulky and robust components. Rear-wheel drive also gives a pickup truck better traction when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Performance cars come with rear-wheel drive because the system balances the car’s weight from the front end to the rear end, giving the vehicle improved handling. When the driving and steering are split between the front and rear wheels, it allows for an optimized suspension. However, because rear-wheel drive vehicles have less traction, most luxury vehicles give you the option of all-wheel drive.

As Autotrader points out, most drivers can’t tell the difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive. However, rear-wheel drive systems are designed for performance, while front-wheel drive systems are designed more for safety, especially in harsh weather conditions. Front-wheel drive systems are more common in family vehicles.

Four-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive systems, according to Economical, often feature in pickup trucks and other vehicles used for off-road excursions. However, more manufacturers are adding them to SUVs and crossover vehicles. In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the engine sends power to all wheels, giving you optimal traction and control, especially on rough terrain. This traction comes in handy if you’re driving uphill, over rocky terrain, or through the snow.

Four-wheel drive systems are set up to operate in one of three modes, including:

• Full-Time: All four wheels are permanently engaged.
• Part-Time: The driver can manually switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, depending on driving conditions.
• Automatic: The vehicle monitors road conditions and switches automatically from two-wheel to front-wheel drive as needed.

Vehicles with part-time or automatic four-wheel drive systems tend to be more fuel-efficient because they use less energy to operate in two-wheel drive mode.

While sales text often uses the terms four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive interchangeably, as Consumer Reports points out, there are some differences. Four-wheel drive systems are designed for handling harsh terrain and feature high and low gear ranges for climbing power. Many four-wheel drive vehicles also have differentials that are locked for optimal traction.

Economical points out that, while four-wheel drive vehicles can tackle rocky terrain, steep hills, and deep water, all-wheel drive vehicles are better for driving on slippery winter streets, through mud, and on loose surfaces such as sand. An all-wheel drive system allows all four of your vehicle’s wheels to provide traction. This means that if two wheels are stuck in mud or snow, the other two wheels can still function to pull the car out. All-wheel drive systems run at all times and are controlled by a computer system that determines which wheels need more power.

Depending on the system’s design, all-wheel drive systems can give a vehicle maximum traction when accelerating. Most systems are designed to provide primary power to the front or rear wheels. The system can redistribute power when it senses slippage. With an all-wheel drive like that found in Subaru models, 20 percent of the engine’s power is distributed to the rear wheels at all times. Other systems send 100 percent of the power to the front wheels, only powering the rear wheels when there is slippage.

Pros and Cons of Four-Wheel Drive Systems

As with two-wheel drive vehicles, there are advantages and disadvantages to four-wheel drive vehicles. The advantages include:

• Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for off-road driving.
• Many four-wheel drive systems allow you to switch to two-wheel drive when you don’t need four-wheel drive power.

The disadvantages are:

• Four-wheel drive vehicles are heavier because four-wheel drive systems weigh more.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles are more expensive than two-wheel drive.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles consume more fuel because four-wheel drive systems use more energy.

In some situations, a good set of tires matters more than the vehicle’s drivetrain. For example, snow tires assist you with stopping and turning on winter roads, something the drivetrain doesn’t help you with.

Consider where you live and the type of driving you do when choosing between two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Источник

Right up at the is the new star 4 wheel drive jeep

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is almost the same as full-time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). It is also a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at all times. It can be used full-time on all surfaces, including pavement, like full-time 4WD. The only difference is that a »4-low» setting is not available on AWD vehicles. Due to the lack of »low range», AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full-time 4WD vehicles, but work perfectly well on-road.

Part-Time 4WD operates by default as a two-wheel drive vehicle. Unlike the full-time system, part-time 4WD doesn\u2019t use a center differential. The system instead locks the front and rear driveshafts, making it better for use exclusively during off-road travel or challenging road conditions. When on dry pavement or under normal driving conditions, the driver should switch to the vehicle\u2019s two-wheel-drive mode. If drivers use Part-Time 4WD excessively, they may experience driveline noise or binding that can lead to overheating or early part failure.

On-Demand 4WD systems operate primarily in two-wheel drive during normal driving conditions. When a slippery surface such as snow or mud is encountered, 4WD is automatically engaged and power is transferred to the secondary axle.

Part-time 4×4 systems lock the front and rear axles together so the front and rear wheels turn at the same speed. If attempting to turn or drive on dry surfaces, binding (»crow hop») and driveline noise (a »bang» or »shudder») will occur, which can lead to overheating and early part failure.

Crow hop happens when using the 4×4 part-time system on dry pavement or during turns. 4×4 part-time systems don\u2019t use a center differential, so the front and rear wheel axles are locked together. If attempting to maneuver or turn on dry pavement, the tires will lose traction, causing driveline noise, such as a »bang» or vehicle »shudder».

A Full-Time 4×4 system operates by default in four-wheel drive and can travel safely and securely on all surfaces. The system uses either a clutch or a center differential to allow the front and rear driveshafts to turn at varying speeds. Whether the road is covered in snow or is dry as dirt, this system can be utilized confidently.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is almost the same as full-time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). It is also a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at all times. It can be used full-time on all surfaces, including pavement, like full-time 4WD. The only difference is that a »4-low» setting is not available on AWD vehicles. Due to the lack of »low range», AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full-time 4WD vehicles, but work perfectly well on-road.

Part-Time 4WD operates by default as a two-wheel drive vehicle. Unlike the full-time system, part-time 4WD doesn’t use a center differential. The system instead locks the front and rear driveshafts, making it better for use exclusively during off-road travel or challenging road conditions. When on dry pavement or under normal driving conditions, the driver should switch to the vehicle’s two-wheel-drive mode. If drivers use Part-Time 4WD excessively, they may experience driveline noise or binding that can lead to overheating or early part failure.

On-Demand 4WD systems operate primarily in two-wheel drive during normal driving conditions. When a slippery surface such as snow or mud is encountered, 4WD is automatically engaged and power is transferred to the secondary axle.

Part-time 4×4 systems lock the front and rear axles together so the front and rear wheels turn at the same speed. If attempting to turn or drive on dry surfaces, binding (»crow hop») and driveline noise (a »bang» or »shudder») will occur, which can lead to overheating and early part failure.

Crow hop happens when using the 4×4 part-time system on dry pavement or during turns. 4×4 part-time systems don’t use a center differential, so the front and rear wheel axles are locked together. If attempting to maneuver or turn on dry pavement, the tires will lose traction, causing driveline noise, such as a »bang» or vehicle »shudder».

QUADRA-LIFT® AND SELEC-TERRAIN® SYSTEMS

Leaving the vehicle in AUTO mode will allow it to automatically select the correct drive system for the condition it senses.

Both systems can be used when parked or moving. The Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System raises the vehicle to allow more clearance for driving through rocky terrain. If the vehicle is moving, you can manually select the height for the Quadra-Lift® system or have the vehicle automatically select the optimal setting.

With the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System, there are speed thresholds for various height settings. When traveling on the highway, the Quadra-Lift® system will automatically lower the vehicle to be more aerodynamic for better efficiency and handling. The vehicle can be raised to give more clearance when navigating off-road trails and can be set to automatically lower when it is parked to allow for easier entry and exit.

The different settings offered from Selec-Terrain® are designed for specific terrains or conditions. Each setting will optimize the vehicle’s systems for that terrain. Switching between settings is easy using the rotary knob. A variety of settings deliver ultimate driving stability by coordinating vehicle systems, including throttle control, transmission shifting, transfer case, traction control and Electronic Stability Control .

Leaving the vehicle in AUTO mode will allow it to automatically select the correct drive system for the condition it senses.

Both systems can be used when parked or moving. The Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System raises the vehicle to allow more clearance for driving through rocky terrain. If the vehicle is moving, you can manually select the height for the Quadra-Lift® system or have the vehicle automatically select the optimal setting.

With the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System, there are speed thresholds for various height settings. When traveling on the highway, the Quadra-Lift® system will automatically lower the vehicle to be more aerodynamic for better efficiency and handling. The vehicle can be raised to give more clearance when navigating off-road trails and can be set to automatically lower when it is parked to allow for easier entry and exit.

HIGH RANGE/LOW RANGE

Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). When engaging or disengaging low-range mode, do it only when the vehicle is moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or slower. Avoid using this mode for normal driving.

No. You can shift into 4×4 Low-Range when the vehicle is rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) by shifting an automatic transmission into Neutral or depressing the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

Yes, but this is not recommended. The teeth of the gears may not be properly aligned so difficulty may occur. The preferred method is to shift into the range when going 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) in Neutral. After shifting, return the transmission to the desired gear.

High-Range mode can be used if you need more traction over surfaces like snow, ice or rocky roads and need to go faster than low-range mode (25 mph or 40 km/h).

High-Range is designed for off-road conditions (i.e. gravel, mud, sand). You should not go faster than road conditions permit.

The shift can be done while stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is moving, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).

With a part-time system, prolonged driving in 4×4 High-Range is recommended only for wet, loose or slippery road surfaces. With a full-time system, you can drive high-range on normal conditions for as long as conditions permit.

Low-Range is for extreme off-road situations needing more torque with low speed, such as getting out of a tough driving spot or steep climbs. More torque does not mean more traction though, so it can be unsafe on slippery surfaces like snow, ice or mud.

Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). When engaging or disengaging low-range mode, do it only when the vehicle is moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or slower. Avoid using this mode for normal driving.

No. You can shift into 4×4 Low-Range when the vehicle is rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) by shifting an automatic transmission into Neutral or depressing the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

Yes, but this is not recommended. The teeth of the gears may not be properly aligned so difficulty may occur. The preferred method is to shift into the range when going 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) in Neutral. After shifting, return the transmission to the desired gear.

High-Range mode can be used if you need more traction over surfaces like snow, ice or rocky roads and need to go faster than low-range mode (25 mph or 40 km/h).

High-Range is designed for off-road conditions (i.e. gravel, mud, sand). You should not go faster than road conditions permit.

The shift can be done while stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is moving, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).

With a part-time system, prolonged driving in 4×4 High-Range is recommended only for wet, loose or slippery road surfaces. With a full-time system, you can drive high-range on normal conditions for as long as conditions permit.

OFF-ROAD GUIDE

Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a need for additional traction. It’s difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You’ll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you’re approaching on the trail. If you’re just watching the left tire, there’s a good chance you’ll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what’s coming. Many trail masters recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering wheel spokes in rough terrain. If your tire suddenly falls off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and injure your thumb. Generally, vehicles with power steering, like all Jeep® vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation.

Speed and power are not required in rough off-road driving. In low-range 4WD, the low gearing and low speed of Jeep® 4×4 vehicles at idle will generally pull you over obstacles. In many cases, with manual transmissions, letting the clutch out slowly and allowing the vehicle to crawl over obstacles in the lowest gear is the best scenario. As a matter of fact, on the Rubicon Trail, the average speed is a mere 1-5 miles per hour.

Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface, it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system. If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I®, there is no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD-LOW if necessary (Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac® SRT® do not offer a low range). Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum.

For better traction in sand, drop air pressure 10-12 pounds below normal pressure on conventional tires. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Try high-range 4WD to maintain forward momentum. Depending on the condition of the sand, low-range 4WD and alternative gear selections may be necessary. Also try to make wider turns if at all possible. Tight turning slows the vehicle abruptly and can get you stuck. Again, maintaining forward momentum is key.

When climbing or descending hills ALWAYS go straight up or down. It’s also smart to know what’s on the other side before going up. At the base of the hill you should apply more power. Ease up on the power as you approach the top and before going over the crest. If you stall on the ascent, back straight down the hill in reverse. For downhill travel, always use the lowest gear with a manual transmission. When descending a hill in low-range, do not disengage the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast. Severe damage to your clutch disc may result. Allow the gears and engine compression to slow you down, using the brakes only to fine-tune your speed. If equipped with an automatic transmission, use low-range and the lowest drive setting. NOTE: NEVER drive up a hill at an angle. If the hill is very steep and you don’t feel confident that you or your vehicle can make it up, don’t attempt it. Never get sideways on a steep slope as this can lead to vehicle instability. Off-roading can be very challenging. Remember, go as slow as possible. Use common sense with safety being the foremost concern.

We call it «crawling» for a reason. Use a low gear and low-range 4WD and just let the vehicle crawl and idle (with as little throttle as needed) when going over obstacles like rocks or logs. Never straddle rocks. A vehicle with 10 inches of ground clearance will not go over a 12-inch rock! Maneuver the tire on top of the rocks and crawl over them slowly. If you hear scraping, don’t panic. Your Jeep® 4×4 vehicle’s skid plates and rock rails (this equipment varies depending on what Jeep 4×4 vehicle and packages have been purchased or leased) will take the brunt of the beating. Dropping tire pressure 3-5 pounds improves traction and helps avoid tire punctures. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Remember, the ideal speed for rock crawling is 1-3 miles per hour.

Always leave the trail in better shape than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don’t leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route. For more information on how to Tread Lightly, visit treadlightly.org.

Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are topped off, including fuel. Be sure that all four tires are in good condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone, especially into unfamiliar territory.

Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a need for additional traction. It’s difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You’ll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you’re approaching on the trail. If you’re just watching the left tire, there’s a good chance you’ll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what’s coming. Many trail masters recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering wheel spokes in rough terrain. If your tire suddenly falls off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and injure your thumb. Generally, vehicles with power steering, like all Jeep® vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation.

Speed and power are not required in rough off-road driving. In low-range 4WD, the low gearing and low speed of Jeep® 4×4 vehicles at idle will generally pull you over obstacles. In many cases, with manual transmissions, letting the clutch out slowly and allowing the vehicle to crawl over obstacles in the lowest gear is the best scenario. As a matter of fact, on the Rubicon Trail, the average speed is a mere 1-5 miles per hour.

Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface, it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system. If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I®, there is no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD-LOW if necessary (Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac® SRT® do not offer a low range). Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum.

For better traction in sand, drop air pressure 10-12 pounds below normal pressure on conventional tires. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Try high-range 4WD to maintain forward momentum. Depending on the condition of the sand, low-range 4WD and alternative gear selections may be necessary. Also try to make wider turns if at all possible. Tight turning slows the vehicle abruptly and can get you stuck. Again, maintaining forward momentum is key.

When climbing or descending hills ALWAYS go straight up or down. It’s also smart to know what’s on the other side before going up. At the base of the hill you should apply more power. Ease up on the power as you approach the top and before going over the crest. If you stall on the ascent, back straight down the hill in reverse. For downhill travel, always use the lowest gear with a manual transmission. When descending a hill in low-range, do not disengage the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast. Severe damage to your clutch disc may result. Allow the gears and engine compression to slow you down, using the brakes only to fine-tune your speed. If equipped with an automatic transmission, use low-range and the lowest drive setting. NOTE: NEVER drive up a hill at an angle. If the hill is very steep and you don’t feel confident that you or your vehicle can make it up, don’t attempt it. Never get sideways on a steep slope as this can lead to vehicle instability. Off-roading can be very challenging. Remember, go as slow as possible. Use common sense with safety being the foremost concern.

We call it «crawling» for a reason. Use a low gear and low-range 4WD and just let the vehicle crawl and idle (with as little throttle as needed) when going over obstacles like rocks or logs. Never straddle rocks. A vehicle with 10 inches of ground clearance will not go over a 12-inch rock! Maneuver the tire on top of the rocks and crawl over them slowly. If you hear scraping, don’t panic. Your Jeep® 4×4 vehicle’s skid plates and rock rails (this equipment varies depending on what Jeep 4×4 vehicle and packages have been purchased or leased) will take the brunt of the beating. Dropping tire pressure 3-5 pounds improves traction and helps avoid tire punctures. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Remember, the ideal speed for rock crawling is 1-3 miles per hour.

Источник