4×4 Cars City Counterpart of the 4WD?
Many people have become used to the idea of a 4WD being a big, tough RV that can handle all the muddy, rocky and rough conditions that the Australian outback can throw at it. While this is true in many cases, the 4×4 cars are more sophisticated and just as at home in the city as in the country.
The 4×4 feature simply means that all four wheels are powered by the engine rather than just the two front ones, or the two rear ones. This makes them extremely manoeuvrable as well as safer in wet and slippery conditions that can be found in the city just as much as the country.
Generally a 4×4 car can switch from 2-wheel drive at the touch of a button. So when you dont need that extra 4×4 feature you can switch it off. This is a saving in both fuel other running costs. And in fact some cars will switch from 2WD to 4WD automatically if the conditions are bad. This option is a good idea if the owner drives on both tarmac and dirt roads regularly.
The manual 4WD switchover is considered a safer option for those who go 4WD in off-road territory. While automatic is all well and good, it cannot be smarter than the brain of a human. Only the driver knows when the car really needs to be in 4×4 mode.
And when conditions have eased, the driver can again change the 4×4 feature off and resume driving in 2WD for greater fuel efficiency. And if fact, experts advise that the car should not be constantly driven at high speeds on smooth roads in 4WD. It is not necessary and it tends to damage the vehicle.
Mel writes about 4×4 cars among other automotive related topics. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/4×4-cars-city-counterpart-of-the-4wd-1622220.html