If you’re like me, the worst nightmare a driver can have while driving on a wet surface is losing grip in slippery conditions. This may cause you to consider purchasing an all-wheel drive vehicle. Manufacturers have taken notice and today offer an all-wheel drive option for most of their models.

Karl Brauer, CEO of TotalCarScore.com, said that “there are more all-wheel drive options available today due to the added stability in poor weather conditions and in dry weather.” This would make you wonder what other reasons would make drivers opt for four-wheel drive vehicles. Below are the main reasons:

Part time 4WD

This is the basic AWD system available. The driver changes the car from 2WD to 4WD when required, by moving a lever or pressing a button.

1. Activating AWD sends power to the front wheels as well as the rear wheels.
2. It can be adjusted by the driver to have the required torque while in 4WD.
3. AWD should not be used on dry or hard surfaces because it does not have a center differential. This makes the front and rear axles turn at the same speed even when cornering. This can damage your car.
4. This system is less complicated compared to others.
5. It is also less expensive to manufacture compared to other systems.
6. Low manufacturing costs lead to low prices in the market. This is good news for buyers. This may explain why they tend to have lower entry levels in the market.
7. This type of car is more durable when it is subjected to great stress.
8. Its components do not tear or wear out frequently as they are only used when the driver requires it.
9. The two-wheel drive system is normally a little quieter than in four-wheel drive mode. This is a relief, especially if the car does not have enough sound insulation.
10. The part-time system is a good friend to your pocket when it comes to fuel consumption, compared to permanent four-wheel drive where power goes to all wheels at all times.

Permanent 4WD (full-time 4WD)

Full-time four-wheel drive vehicles do not have a two-wheel drive system. Power reaches all four wheels with or without anyone’s consent. These are its advantages.

11. The driver does not need to worry about changing the levers while driving. This allows you to focus primarily on the road throughout the journey.
12. There is no time delay for activating all four wheels as the vehicle is already in four wheel mode.
13. This system has a center differential. This allows such vehicles to travel on hard surfaces and dry pavements without damaging their components or jamming the wheels when cornering.
14. On some permanent 4WD vehicles, more traction can be achieved by locking the center differential. This is ideal when driving on rough terrain.
15. Automatic four-wheel drive vehicles monitor and detect their own traction requirements as they move. This helps them automatically adjust the power required by the wheels.