Many vehicle brands use different types of traction according to the performance and needs of each of the models. On the website www.kia.com/pe it is mentioned that the features with terms like 4×4, 4WD and AWD are very similar, but they have a difference. Choosing one or the other will have an effect on your driving style and how much fuel your engine consumes.
To begin, it is necessary to know the term traction. Traction in a vehicle refers to the transmission of engine power to the front, rear or both axles. This force will reach the wheels and allow them to move.
Traction control systems optimize a vehicle’s grip and stability on the road during acceleration by measuring wheel rotation. Stops wheel spin by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the brakes to that wheel, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly, even on slippery surfaces
Both 4×4 and 4WD system
They allow to control the locking of the differentials according to the driver’s needs where he can use the vehicle in 2WD mode (drive in one of the two axles) or with integral traction in the two axles.
4×4
A 4×4 system is mainly used in work trucks and SUV-type vehicles with off-road capabilities, where the force is transmitted equally 50/50 to the front and rear axles.
Ricardo Suárez, Nissan Product Coordinator, explains that the mechanism uses a mechanical element called a gearbox, whose main function is to multiply the torque or force of the engine towards the wheels, giving us the possibility through a selector knob to choose configurations; 4H (high), in which you can drive at speeds of up to 60 km/h, and 4L0 (low), which is the strongest traction mode at speeds not exceeding 30 km/h.
4WD
The 4WD system, on the other hand, works in a similar way to the 4H (high) system, using an electrical system that regulates the distribution of engine power to the front and rear wheels in the same 50/50 proportion.
AWD
In the case of AWD mode, the traction is permanent on all four wheels, it is not possible to make a selection change, here the center differential constantly equalizes the traction on each wheel individually to guarantee total control of the vehicle, this function is more oriented to comfort than to off-road conditions.
Source: Eluniverso
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