Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a 4×4 SUV
If you’re looking for a car or truck that can handle any off-roading situation, then a 4×4 might be right for you. In this article, we’ll look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a 4×4 SUV over a standard four-wheel drive vehicle.
Many drivers prefer a vehicle with four-wheel drive, also known as 4WD or all-wheel drive (AWD), because they offer increased traction and stability. They are also better suited for driving in snowy or icy conditions.
Off-road
Off-road vehicles often have high ground clearance or are able to climb or descend over rough terrain without sinking into it. This helps them avoid damaging their wheels or scrubbing their mechanical bits on rocks, dirt mounds, or logs.
Traction is also an important factor in off-road driving. It depends on a vehicle’s weight, the tires’ tread pattern, and the surface they’re traveling on.
Many off-roaders prefer a 4×4 system over all-wheel drive because it’s more robust and provides better traction on rough terrain. However, it can be difficult to engage 4×4 on dry pavement, and it’s also not always available.
Extreme off-road trails require low-range 4WD, larger than stock ground clearance, traction devices (lockers front and rear), a high lift jack, large tires with aggressive tread, and excellent off-road driving skills. Paint damage is very likely and a high level of skill is needed to navigate these trails safely.
On-road
A 4×4 truck or SUV gives you extra traction on the road. This enables you to overcome mud, rocks, and steep inclines more easily than a vehicle without four-wheel drive.
The key to how 4×4 works is a piece of equipment called a transfer case that connects the front and rear wheels, splitting power evenly between them and making both axles turn at the same speed. This helps your vehicle keep a firm grip on the ground during low-traction situations, like when you’re driving on wet or snowy roads in the winter or beating the ski traffic to the mountains during the summer.
Most four-wheel drive systems have three settings. You can choose the lowest setting for normal driving, while a high-range setting can be used in more extreme situations. However, you’ll want to avoid using this setting on the highway because it won’t provide much traction and can damage your vehicle’s transfer case.
Fuel efficiency
If you’re looking for a car with great fuel efficiency, you’ll want to consider getting a 4×4. However, this type of vehicle can be less fuel efficient than a two-wheel drive because it has to send power and torque to both axles.
One way to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle is to replace the stock wheels with lightweight alloy ones. This could also decrease the overall weight of the vehicle.
Changing the gear ratios in your vehicle could also be beneficial to your fuel efficiency. You might also be able to increase your gas mileage by installing a set of larger tires.
Another thing that affects your fuel economy is the rotating mass of the entire drivetrain components of the vehicle, including the engine and transmission. This means that if the engine is running at full power, it’s going to use a lot of fuel.
Safety
4×4 vehicles are generally considered to be safer than traditional cars and trucks. This is a result of a number of common safety features commonly found in both traditional cars as well as 4x4s.
One of the most obvious advantages of driving a 4×4 is that it provides you with more traction in challenging situations such as snow, ice and mud. This is a great benefit for anyone who enjoys driving off-road and exploring inaccessible landscapes.
A key part of the drivetrain for most 4x4s is a ‘transfer case’ which splits engine power evenly between all four wheels. This is a great advantage for tackling difficult conditions as it allows all of the large tires on a 4×4 to get a grip and provide you with extra traction.
Often times a true 4×4 will also have a ‘differential’ which can send variable power to each wheel. This is an excellent feature if you are attempting to climb a steep hill or go through rough terrain but not so good for level roadbeds where AWD is generally better suited to.
