Choosing Between All-Wheel Drive and 4-Wheel Drive

Winter is fast approaching, and that means now is the perfect time to prepare your car for winter road conditions. If your car is ill equipped for snow or ice, it may be time to upgrade to an all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle instead. 

Continue reading to find out which option is the right choice for you.

AWD vs. 4WD

What’s the Difference? 

The main difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD vehicles are optimized for driving on roads while 4WD vehicles are equipped to handle slick conditions off road. Both systems direct extra torque to the wheels that require it in order to maintain traction with the driving surface, but the capability and mechanisms in place are quite unique. 

The greatest benefit of driving an AWD vehicle is that you don’t have to remember or decide to activate AWD when slick road conditions occur. The process is fully automated, which is both convenient and effective. 

4WD vehicles are much better equipped to handle deep snow, rocky terrain, and other off-road excursions. Unlike AWD, however, 4WD has to be activated using a lever, knob, or button. 

Factors to Consider

Weather and Accessibility

Some cars are known for their design and efficiency when handling harsh weather like snow and ice. Others — not so much. 

If you live in an area where snow is a regular occurrence, AWD or 4WD are nonnegotiable. When deciding which option is best, consider how quickly snow is plowed from your local roads and whether salt is used as a preventative measure to keep the roads relatively clear. If your area is known for safe, clear roads during the harsh winter months, then AWD may be sufficient. 

If, however, you live off the beaten path where snowplows are either slow to reach or nonexistent, then you may want to opt for 4WD to ensure you don’t find yourself stranded in freezing cold temperatures. 

Lifestyle

For many drivers, the greatest factor to consider when choosing between AWD and 4WD is lifestyle. 

If offroading, bouldering, or traveling far off the grid is a regular occurrence for you, opt for 4WD. While AWD may be equipped to handle dirt roads and uneven pavement, 4WD is much more reliable when tackling especially tough terrain. 

Find An All-Season Vehicle in Madison, WI

Visit Zimbrick Automotive to find the perfect car to suit our cold Wisconsin winters. We carry a variety of new cars for sale in Madison, Wisconsin. Give us a call to schedule a test drive or drop by our dealership today to get started.