By Dave Neer

Owner of Solomon’s Garage

Question: What’s the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?

This is a great question because the terms are often used interchangeably, but all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are actually designed with different purposes in mind.

All-wheel drive is generally designed to help a vehicle maintain traction on the road. The system can automatically send power to the wheels that need it most. This is especially helpful when driving in rain, snow, or on slippery roads. Most AWD systems operate automatically, so the driver doesn’t have to think much about when to engage them.

Four-wheel drive is generally designed with tougher conditions in mind. A traditional 4WD system is commonly found on trucks and SUVs and is built to handle situations such as deep snow, mud, loose gravel or off-road driving.

Many 4WD systems allow the driver to select different modes, such as 4-High or 4-Low. Four-wheel drive can provide excellent traction, but it isn’t something you necessarily want to leave engaged all the time on dry pavement, depending on the vehicle’s system.

So, which one is better?

It depends on how you use your vehicle. If you’re mainly driving on paved roads and want extra traction in changing weather, AWD can be an excellent choice. If you’re towing, traveling off-road, or regularly dealing with deep mud, snow, or other challenging terrain, 4WD may be the better fit.

One important thing to remember: AWD and 4WD don’t eliminate the need for good tires. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle actually touching the road. A four-wheel-drive truck with worn-out tires can still have a tough time stopping or turning on a slippery road.

As always, if you’re unsure what system your vehicle has or how it should be used, check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic. Understanding how your vehicle’s drivetrain works can help you get the most out of it and keep you safer behind the wheel.

Until next time, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down!

Have a question for the mechanic? Send it our way. You might see it answered in next week’s “Ask the Mechanic!”

Call Dave and Katie Neer at (937) 887-0029 for questions or to schedule an appointment for your vehicle. Visit https://www.solomonsgarage.com/ for more information. ■