AWD and 4WD vehicles provide increased traction and better overall acceleration. This provides a better grip in adverse driving conditions like ice, snow and off-road terrain. AWD uses adaptive technology to power the wheels that need it most, particularly in slippery conditions such as rain, snow, and ice while 4WD is great for off-road conditions because it allows for aggressive grip in very harsh driving conditions.
However, AWD and 4WD systems do not make vehicles invincible. While they provide increased traction and forward momentum, you should still follow the best practices for adverse weather and rough terrain. Most systems are not designed for better cornering or braking and do not enhance stopping or handling abilities.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
An AWD system is designed to power all four wheels simultaneously. These systems typically use sensors to indicate when tires are slipping or are spinning at different rates. When slippage is detected, power is reallocated to the wheel or wheels that need it most.
Most AWD systems are not designed for rugged off-road usage, but rather for pavement and particularly for bad weather such as heavy rain, snow and ice.
FULL-TIME 4WD
Full-time 4WD is like a combination of an AWD system and a part-time 4WD system. Like AWD, it runs constantly and can be safely used on pavement. However, the combined use of a differential and a transfer case makes a full-time 4WD system more rugged and durable than AWD. Full-time 4WD systems are often found on larger SUVs and pickups.
Depending on the driving conditions, most of these vehicles can be manually switched from 4WD high to 4WD low. 4WD high is for use on pavement or in moderate weather conditions. 4WD low is only for off-road use or in the worst weather conditions, like heavy snow or ice.
PART-TIME 4WD
Vehicles with part-time 4WD are typically designed almost exclusively for off-road enthusiasts. It’s called part-time 4WD because these systems can be switched between 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD low.
When driven on pavement, always use 2WD. Serious mechanical damage can occur if a part-time 4WD system is driven in 4WD mode on pavement.
As with full-time 4WD, the 4WD high setting is for light off-road duty, such as dirt or gravel roads and moderate rough weather. 4WD low is designed for severe weatherlike ice or heavy snow and aggressive, rugged off-road driving.
It’s important to remember to put the vehicle back into 2WD before getting back on the pavement.
Replacing Tires on your AWD or 4WD Vehicle
No matter which AWD or 4WD system you use, we highly recommend replacing all four tires at the same time. Not only does this allow you to select the best tires for your rig, but it also helps you avoid potential damage to your AWD or 4WD system.
Because of how these AWD/4WD systems work, a large difference in tread depth can cause very serious mechanical damage to your rig.
If your old tires are close enough in tread depth that only two need to be replaced, install tires of the same make and model. As with a difference in tread depth, a difference in tread pattern, speed rating, load range or any other tire specs can cause heavy damage to your rig. And it’ll also reduce performance on and off-road.
To get the best performance out of your all-wheel drive vehicle, the best plan is to replace all four tires simultaneously.
When you’re ready to replace the tires on your AWD/4WD rig, we’ve got you covered with the best assortment of off-road-ready tires, all at our unbeatable prices!
If you need to replace your tires immediately, we offer payment arrangements through our financing options.
When it’s time to replace your tires, buy and book online and get a shorter wait time in-store!
If you have any other questions about replacing tires on your all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, stop by your nearest store or schedule an appointment, and we'll get you taken care of!