Should You Buy a Ford Car with All-Wheel Drive
Should You Buy a Ford Car with All-Wheel Drive
Posted on June 25, 2020
While many people won't even think of purchasing a car without AWD, some drivers feel that AWD is not something that every driver has to have. So, is an all-wheel-drive system absolutely necessary? Here is a look at the pros and cons of having an AWD car and whether it is right for you.
What is All-Wheel Drive?
During normal driving conditions, a car will drive in a 2-wheel drive(2WD). 2WD systems are available in front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
Front-wheel drive is where the power, or torque, is sent to the front wheels of the car. FWD is beneficial when travelling up steep hills. Rear-wheel drive, however, is when the torque is delivered to the back wheels. This system is beneficial for people who will be hauling trailers or other heavy cargo in the back of their vehicles. Most trucks, performance cars, and SUVS, come with a rear-wheel driving system.
An all-wheel-drive system gives drivers the benefit of having an FWD and an RWD at the same time. In an AWD system, the power is evenly distributed to all four tires at the same time. An AWD system is great during inclement weather when the road gets slippery from rain or snow.
With all four wheels receiving power at the same time, the tires are better able to grip the road when it is slippery. When AWD is engaged while driving on a road that is covered with snow and ice, the driver will instantly feel as if they have more control over the car. The car will be able to accelerate without sliding or slipping, which helps to make driving in inclement weather much safer.
Different Types of AWD systems
Unlike a 4WD system, AWD can be engaged during normal driving conditions. Some people use full-time AWD systems because they feel the performance of the car is enhanced when power is being delivered to all four tires all of the time. While the handling may arguably be better with four-wheel drive systems, their fuel efficiency rating isn't as good as it is with 2WD systems.
Therefore, most auto manufacturers equip their vehicles with a part-time AWD system. Some systems allow the driver to manually switch between 2WD and AWD systems. However, thanks to today's technology, some cars are equipped with an intelligent AWD system that uses a series of sensors to determine when the road is slippery and then it automatically engages the car's AWD system.
Should You Buy a Car with AWD?
AWD systems have their advantages and disadvantages. If you live in an area where slick and slippery roads are commonplace, it may be worth it to invest in a car with AWD. However, it is important to remember that just because an AWD can grip the road a little better, it doesn't mean that the car is completely slip-proof. Even with an AWD system, cars still have the ability to slip and slide, so it is important to always drive cautiously when driving in inclement weather.