Can you switch to 4x4 while driving?

Wondering whether switching to 4x4 in your vehicle is possible while driving? BrokerLink has got you covered. Stick around to learn more about switching gears and how to do so safely to prevent damage to your vehicle below.

What is four-wheel drive?

Four-wheel drive, also known as a 4 x 4, is a type of vehicle that has a two-axle drivetrain that provides engine torque to all four wheels simultaneously. By using the gas pedal, drivers send more engine torque to their front and rear tires, which can help them gain more traction on the road or off-terrain areas.

The different types of 4WD systems

Four-wheel drive systems can vary in how they operate, the level of control they provide to drivers and convenience. Here's a breakdown of each type:

1. Part-time 4WD

Part-time 4WD requires the driver to manually engage and disengage the system. Most of the time, the vehicle will operate in 2WD during normal driving conditions and then switch to 4HI or 4LO for off-roading and in slippery conditions.

Full-time 4WD

In full-time 4WD systems, 4WD is always active. Unlike a part-time system, these include a centre differential, which allows the vehicle to travel smoothly on dry and rough surfaces. Drivers also have the option of switching between 4HI and 4LO when they wish.

Automatic 4WD

Automatic 4WD cars utilize sensors to detect wheels slipping. When this occurs, it engages 4WD automatically, which is ideal for drivers who don't want to add traction without manually switching to different driving modes. Note that automatic 4WD won't offer as much control as a part-time or selectable system.

Selectable 4WD

Selectable 4WD provides drivers with full control of their vehicle, allowing them to switch between 2WD, 4HI, and 4LO when they need to. This makes these types of vehicles perfect for both on-road and off-road capabilities.

What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?

First things first, 4WD vs. AWD --what's the difference? Take a closer look:

All wheel drive

• When your vehicle is in all-wheel drive, all four wheels will receive engine power consistently.
• Depending on your car's traction, an AWD car will determine which one of your wheels needs more power as you move.
• Compared to vehicles with 4WD, AWD vehicles are less complex and heavy, making them perfect for normal, everyday driving.
• Ultimately, they are suited for all weather conditions, including rain or light snow, by making the vehicle easier to handle.

Four wheel drive

• In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the driver can manually engage and disengage four-wheel drive from two-wheel drive when needed.
• These types of vehicles are used in large SUVs, trucks, and off-road vehicles.
• Given that these vehicles have extra components like a transfer case and locking variations, they tend to be more complex and heavy-duty, making them excel at off-road performance where the terrain is challenging.
• Because 4WD requires manual operation, these vehicles aren't as easy to handle and are not always intended for everyday driving.

When to use four-wheel drive

When it comes to four-wheel drive, you'll likely have two forms: 4LO and 4HI, also known as 4-low and 4-hi. So, what's the difference, and when should you use either or? We will explore this in detail below:

4LO

4-low is intended for when you need to pull heavy loads in your truck, typically at slow speeds. You could also use 4LO when you need additional engine torque while climbing a steep hill. Stay clear of this setting if you're stuck, as it will cause your tires to spin and not get you anywhere.

4HI

On the other hand, 4-hi is great when travelling at higher speeds on roads that are slippery or when you're stuck.

It's important to note that you should never switch to 4WD on dry pavement, as it could damage your truck. Another risk of using 4WD is not slowing your speed while turning, as it will not give you as much stability as you think. It's better to go slow while braking. Lastly, in snowy and other slippy conditions, while you may have some stability, high speeds can make you spin out. Make sure to keep a slow speed, especially on the highway.

How can I engage my 4WD?

Depending on what type of vehicle you drive, to engage your four-wheel drive, you'll need to manually shift by making sure your car is completely stopped. Once parked or in neutral, you can shift into 4WD. Manual shifting is typically only required if you have an older vehicle.

If your truck or car is more recent, you should be able to shift on the fly to 4WD while driving by simply engaging an electronic push button located on your dashboard controls. Additionally, some vehicles will engage 4WD while driving automatically when it detects that traction is needed.

Can I switch to 4WD while driving?

While some vehicles allow you to switch to 4-wheel drive, others require you to make a complete stop. Understanding how your vehicle's system works is key to ensuring you drive efficiently without causing mechanical damage:

Shift on the fly systems

Many modern trucks and SUVs are equipped with shift-on-the-fly systems. These systems allow the drive to switch from 2WD to 4HI (4-wheel drive high) when moving at speeds up to 88 kilometres per hour. On-the-fly systems also provide vehicles with additional traction when driving in slippery conditions without having to stop.

4LO requires stopping

If you engage the 4LO (4-wheel drive low), you'll need to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Sometimes, you'll also need to shift into neutral as 4LO offers maximum torque for off-road or steep terrain conditions. Note, however, that this can damage your vehicle's drivetrain if 4WD is engaged at high speeds.

Warning lights and indicators

When your 4WD is engaged, your dashboard indicator light will illuminate to confirm the switch. If the light doesn't turn on, it hasn't engaged yet.

Look at your owner's manual

When in doubt, when it comes to questions about your vehicle and how to switch to 4WD, always check the owner's manual that came with your vehicle purchase. Most of the time, this manual will be located in your glove box or garage. Otherwise, you can find the manual for the specific make and model of your vehicle online.

How to use traction control in your truck or car

As we said, some newer vehicles have automatic traction/stability control features that will kick in when the vehicle detects changes in the terrain. The goal of this feature is to prevent your vehicle from spinning out. It does this by cutting power from the engine and braking your wheels to shift your vehicle back into its intended straight-line path. However, if you're stuck in mud or snow, this automatic switch to 4WD while driving could prevent you from getting unstuck. To avoid this, switch the traction off until you manage to move your vehicle.

Is two-wheel drive front wheel drive or rear wheel drive?

Two-wheel drive can either be front wheel drive or rear wheel drive, depending on the make and model of the vehicle you own. To determine which you have, we suggest looking in your owner's manual for more information.

Note: coverage varies by province.

What happens if you engage 4WD on dry pavement?

Engaging your 4WD on dry pavement can cause serious mechanical issues to your vehicle, given the way these systems distribute power throughout the car. Unlike all-wheel drive (AWD), the 4WD will lock the front and rear axles together, ensuring that all four tires rotate at the same speed. Because dry pavement offers lots of traction naturally, several problems can occur:

• Binding and stress on drivetrain: Tires naturally rotate at different speeds while turning. So, engaging 4WD on dry roads can cause the drivetrain to bind, this excessive stress on the drivetrain can damage the transfer case, drive shafts, and axels, leading to costly repairs.
• Tire wear: As your tires won't slip on dry road conditions, the tire treads will wear down quickly, causing you to replace your tires more frequently. It can also lead to poor vehicle handling.
• Transmission damage: Using your 4WD while driving more than needed and on dry roads can cause the transmission and transfer case to overheat, leading to expensive mechanical issues and failures over time.

So, when should you use 4WD? If the road conditions are slippery or uneven (think driving in snow, on gravel, sand, or mud), you should shift to 4WD. On drive payment, 2WD should be enough.

Can you drive in 4WD all the time?

No, most vehicles are not designed to operate in 4WD all the time. The exception to this is if you have a full-time 4WD system. Most trucks and SUVs come with part-time 4WD systems, which should only be engaged when extra traction is required. So, what would happen if you chose to drive your vehicle in 4WD all the time? Here's what you need to know:

Excessive fuel consumption

Driving in 4WD increases your vehicle's fuel usage as the power is being sent to all four wheels instead of two wheels, which creates more resistance and puts more strain on the drivetrain.

Reduced maneuverability

4WD locks your front and rear axles together, which makes it harder for you to turn smoothly when driving on dry surfaces. This will cause the drivetrain to bind and cause premature wear and tear on other components of your vehicle.

Remember, you'll want to save your 4WD for road conditions that require more traction, like snow or ice. Otherwise, you could cause damage to your car, which would be costly to repair.

How to maintain your 4WD system

Keeping your 4WD system properly maintained is essential to preventing costly repairs and ensuring your vehicle operates as efficiently as possible. It can also extend the lifespan of your vehicle and contribute to a safe, reliable performance. Here's what you need to do:

• Engage your 4WD regularly: If you don't use your 4WD setting often, try to activate it every so often. This will keep the internal components lubricated and prevent them from locking over time.
• Check your transfer case fluid: Think of the transfer case as the centre of your 4WD system that's responsible for distributing power to all of your wheels. Low fluid levels or dirty fluid can cause your shifting to be rough and the components in the system to wear down. Make sure to regularly check and replace the fluid as needed, based on what your owner's manual says.
• Inspect the differential locks: If your car has differential locks, make sure you're engaging and disengaging them the right way. When they malfunction, it can cause uneven power distribution and impact your car's traction levels.
• Beware of odd noises: Keep an ear out for odd noises like grinding, clunking, or whining sounds. These can indicate that there is something wrong with your system that needs to be inspected.

Ultimately, regular maintenance on your vehicle, in general, is always a good idea as it will help optimize its performance levels and contribute to its overall durability when driving on rough terrain.

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