AWD Cars http://www.awdcars.org Information on AWD Cars Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:24:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 AWD Cars http://www.awdcars.org/awd-cars/ http://www.awdcars.org/awd-cars/#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:47:53 +0000 hawsspencer http://www.awdcars.org/?p=4 Vehicles do not really need 4×4 (four wheel drive) capabilities unless they are off road in mud, snow or towing. The low and high gears might require activation under those circumstances. Rarely if ever will this be a requirement. Having them in your cars is not really worth the money except as a status symbol.

However, having an AWD (All Wheel Drive) system can be beneficial. The difference between the two modes 4×4 and AWD cars is that the AWD is always on. No worry to go through a process of switching from front wheel drive to AWD, because you are always driving in the AWD mode. The extra use of gasoline from constantly remaining in this setup is negligible.

AWD is well known in the Subaru line and Jeep has the AWD Compass. The AWD vehicle looks a bit more like a car than a truck. The 4×4 vehicles appear as trucks or light trucks.

It is one less thing to weigh on your mind when you have your auto in one mode all the time and do not need to switch from front wheel drive to 4×4 mode which usually must follow a procedure. This procedure would have you stop the car, and switch the mechanism and make sure you are either in Park or Neutral when the switch is made.

AWD is the preferable route to go for those looking for simplicity in driving. Your car might not look like a truck, but impressing people is not what driving is all about. Do a little more research and decide for yourself which route to follow.

]]> http://www.awdcars.org/awd-cars/feed/ 0 Pros and Cons of All Wheel Drive (AWD) http://www.awdcars.org/pros-and-cons-of-all-wheel-drive-awd/ http://www.awdcars.org/pros-and-cons-of-all-wheel-drive-awd/#comments Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:48:36 +0000 hawsspencer http://www.awdcars.org/?p=6 For those that live in snowy, mountainous, or rural areas the advantages of a vehicle with all wheel drive are invaluable. With 47% of vehicles on the road today being front wheel drive with the power and turning being applied to the front of the car the all wheel drive vehicles are giving power to all wheels all the time making for them more responsive in wet or slippery conditions.

These AWD Cars operate very well in snowy or icy conditions and in some mountain passes you will not be allowed to proceed unless your car is equipped with all wheel or four wheel drive. All wheel drive vehicles can compensate for lost traction at other wheels by distributing power intelligently.

One disadvantage is that too receive the full performance from your all wheel drive vehicle you must keep all of your tires even rotated and worn at all times. Although that sounds like regular maintenance, that means if one tire becomes unusable, instead of buying only one replacement you must buy four, it can become expensive.

The Subaru Forrester, the Infiniti G35 and SUV’s like the Suzuki SX4 and Honda CRV all come with these options and pass benchmarks when competing with other two wheel drive vehicles in their class. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle with excellent traction in adverse weather conditions or in places without roads, this could be the right option for you. Make an educated decision by researching all the facts and you will prove successful in your new car quest.

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