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Part-time 4WD: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:parttime.jpg|frame|Part-time 4WD]] | |||
Although in the strictest sense, the term ''"four-wheel drive"'' refers to a capability that a vehicle may have, it is also used to denote the entire vehicle itself. In Australia, vehicles without significant offroad capabilities are often referred to as All-Wheel Drives (AWD) or SUVs, while those with offroad capabilities are referred to as "four-wheel drives". This term is sometimes also used in North America, somewhat interchangeably for SUVs and pickup trucks and is sometimes erroneously applied to two-wheel-drive variants of these vehicles. | Although in the strictest sense, the term ''"four-wheel drive"'' refers to a capability that a vehicle may have, it is also used to denote the entire vehicle itself. In Australia, vehicles without significant offroad capabilities are often referred to as All-Wheel Drives (AWD) or SUVs, while those with offroad capabilities are referred to as "four-wheel drives". This term is sometimes also used in North America, somewhat interchangeably for SUVs and pickup trucks and is sometimes erroneously applied to two-wheel-drive variants of these vehicles. | ||
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Similarly, a 4x2 would be appropriate for most two-wheel-drive vehicles, although this is rarely used in the USA in practice. In Australia the term is often used to describe utes that sit very high on their suspension. This is to avoid the confusion that the vehicle might be a 4x4 because it appears to be otherwise suited to off-road applications. A 2×4, however, is unambiguously a piece of lumber. | Similarly, a 4x2 would be appropriate for most two-wheel-drive vehicles, although this is rarely used in the USA in practice. In Australia the term is often used to describe utes that sit very high on their suspension. This is to avoid the confusion that the vehicle might be a 4x4 because it appears to be otherwise suited to off-road applications. A 2×4, however, is unambiguously a piece of lumber. | ||
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The '''Part-time''' in ''Part-time four-wheel drive'' means that it is capable of switching between the ''two-wheel drive'' and ''four-wheel drive'', however the four-wheel drive can only be used in low traction conditions, like dirt, garvel, mud, or snow. It is NOT meant for dry pavement. '''Part-time four-wheel drives''' are most common in pickup trucks and offroad-capable sport utility vehicles, due to low cost and simpicity. | |||
A selectable low gear is usually offered in part-time four-wheel drive systems for offroad use. This is usually housed in the transfer case, which contains gears that ''transfers'' power to the front and rear axles. In vehicles with part-time four-wheel drive, power is distributedd through the transfer case by tapping into the rear-wheel-drive mechanism and transferring power to the front wheels. [http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?szc=586&srv=parser&act=display&tf=/advice/shopping/4wd_demystified/parttime.tmpl] | |||
[[Image:parttime2.jpg|frame|Part-time 4WD]] | |||
Unlike the [[Full-time 4WD|full-time four-wheel drive]], the part-time four-wheel drive uses automatic-locking hubs. These hubs, rotate freely when unlocked and connect to the axle in four-wheel drive mode. The axle comes to a halt when the driver switches back to two-wheel drive, which results in a 50/50 power split beween the front and rear axles. However, these axles cannot rotate at different speeds anymore, which can be potentially dangerous when turning, because it increases the chance of rolling over when turning and it can damage the driveline. It is important to note this point, as many owners of such vehicles switch to four-wheel drive at the first sign of drizzle on the windshield, which is unnecessary, dangerous, and damaging. | |||
Revision as of 21:44, 9 June 2006
Although in the strictest sense, the term "four-wheel drive" refers to a capability that a vehicle may have, it is also used to denote the entire vehicle itself. In Australia, vehicles without significant offroad capabilities are often referred to as All-Wheel Drives (AWD) or SUVs, while those with offroad capabilities are referred to as "four-wheel drives". This term is sometimes also used in North America, somewhat interchangeably for SUVs and pickup trucks and is sometimes erroneously applied to two-wheel-drive variants of these vehicles.
The term 4x4 is used to denote the total number of wheels on a vehicle and the number of driven wheels; it is often applied to vehicles equipped with either Full-time 4WDor Part-time 4WD. The term 4x4 is common in North America and is generally used when marketing a new or used vehicle, and is sometimes applied as badging on a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive.
Similarly, a 4x2 would be appropriate for most two-wheel-drive vehicles, although this is rarely used in the USA in practice. In Australia the term is often used to describe utes that sit very high on their suspension. This is to avoid the confusion that the vehicle might be a 4x4 because it appears to be otherwise suited to off-road applications. A 2×4, however, is unambiguously a piece of lumber.
The Part-time in Part-time four-wheel drive means that it is capable of switching between the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, however the four-wheel drive can only be used in low traction conditions, like dirt, garvel, mud, or snow. It is NOT meant for dry pavement. Part-time four-wheel drives are most common in pickup trucks and offroad-capable sport utility vehicles, due to low cost and simpicity.
A selectable low gear is usually offered in part-time four-wheel drive systems for offroad use. This is usually housed in the transfer case, which contains gears that transfers power to the front and rear axles. In vehicles with part-time four-wheel drive, power is distributedd through the transfer case by tapping into the rear-wheel-drive mechanism and transferring power to the front wheels. [1]
Unlike the full-time four-wheel drive, the part-time four-wheel drive uses automatic-locking hubs. These hubs, rotate freely when unlocked and connect to the axle in four-wheel drive mode. The axle comes to a halt when the driver switches back to two-wheel drive, which results in a 50/50 power split beween the front and rear axles. However, these axles cannot rotate at different speeds anymore, which can be potentially dangerous when turning, because it increases the chance of rolling over when turning and it can damage the driveline. It is important to note this point, as many owners of such vehicles switch to four-wheel drive at the first sign of drizzle on the windshield, which is unnecessary, dangerous, and damaging.
