All-Wheel Drive


All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (also known as “Full-time" four-wheel drive or by a variety of brand names like "real time 4WD," "4Motion," "4matic," "Quattro" and others) sends power from the engine to all four wheels. Unlike four-wheel drive, however, all-wheel drive includes a center differential, which means it’s okay to drive on dry roads. In fact, most vehicles with all-wheel drive don't even give you the option of turning it off.
 
Some all-wheel-drive models operate primarily as two-wheel-drive cars, until traction is needed, at which point it sends power to the wheels that need it. Other models operate by distributing power from the engine to all four wheels, all the time.
 
For the vast majority of drivers, all-wheel drive is superior to four-wheel drive. Not only do you never have to worry about when it's safe to use, but it's always on, ready to help you when you hit an unexpected slippery patch of snow, sand or Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
 

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