A Guide to Using 4WD (4x4 Explained)

So, you got yourself a four-wheel drive (4WD) truck or SUV and are just itching to go off-roading. Or maybe you're considering a bucket-list purchase of your first 4WD and wonder, "How does 4WD work?" 

Before you go off-roading, there are some things about 4WD that, as the Alanis Morissette song goes, you oughta know.

Knowing how to operate 4WD will enable you to overcome the most challenging on- and off-road situations, including deep snow and steep mountains.

So let's go over the different 4WD modes, helpful safety tips, explain the right way to replace 4WD tires and more, so you can get the most out of your powerful ride.

First ... What Exactly is 4WD?

Four-wheel drive, sometimes called 4x4, allows a vehicle's four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously or intermittently, enhancing traction and steering control.

Other cars have front- or rear-wheel drive, which means just the front or back wheels receive power. Read more about all-wheel drive versus front-wheel drive versus 4-wheel drive. The basic difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is always on, while 4WD can be toggled on and off as needed.

Four-wheel drive is typically the best option for rough situations, including off-roading, slick roads and snowy weather. Only serious off-roaders require 4WD, though it can be great for heavy-duty towing and hauling.

Different Modes of 4WD

The three modes that a 4WD-equipped vehicle typically offers are 4H (high), 4L (low) and auto. When should you use 4H vs 4L? 

Auto (automatic) 4-wheel drive

A hybrid of four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive is delivered by auto mode.

Your vehicle will automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD when needed if the setting is Auto 4WD. The front or rear wheels will receive power from the motor while the vehicle is in 2WD mode.

The system will automatically switch to 4WD if it notices a slippery, rugged slope or other road conditions that call for 4WD. Then, all four wheels receive equal amounts of power that are split between the front and rear axles, depending on the terrain.

4H (high)

When set to 4H, you can drive fast, but not excessively. Most car manufacturers suggest driving at 55 MPH or less while in 4H mode.

With 4H, you gain more traction on icy, snowy, muddy and bumpy roads. So, you might want to shift into 4H when driving on a snow-covered road during winter. Generally, you'll switch to 4H mode more often than 4L mode.

4L (low)

It would be best to slow down rather than speed up in 4L mode. We're talking 10 MPH or less.

When you need to get your vehicle out of a tight spot, such as driving through a very muddy creek, climbing and descending rocky mountains, or splashing through water, shift to 4L. Remember, low and steady is best when you need the most traction and power!

4WD Safety Tips

Your 4WD vehicle can help escape sticky situations, but don't be fooled into thinking you're invincible in dangerous conditions. Here are a couple of safety tips to keep in mind about 4WD vehicles.

Slick ice and snow-covered roads are not your friends (nor are they your foes to be defeated), no matter what type of vehicle you drive. While you will gain traction in 4WD, it's not infallible in icy conditions. If you drive too fast on slick roads, you can still lose control and even flip your vehicle when using 4WD.

Also, 4WD does not elevate braking ability. Always slow down when making a turn and apply brakes sooner in slick conditions.

While we're handing out recommendations, here's a money-saving tip to keep in mind. Never use 4WD on dry, flat roads. Doing so will drastically lower fuel efficiency and could impact your drivetrain. You don't want to waste fuel, especially while prices at the pump are sky-high.

Another thing to remember, and this is important: You need to regularly take your 4WD vehicle out for a spin in 4WD conditions to keep the feature from deteriorating. If the 4WD system isn't used for long periods, seals will dry out and gears will get sticky. Make sure to engage your 4WD system every few months to keep it in top working condition.

What About Replacing 4WD 4 x 4 Tires?

One thing to remember with 4WD vehicles is that manufacturers always recommend replacing all four tires at once and never replacing one at a time. You should also ensure all four tires are the same size and model with the same tread design.

SHOP 4WD TIRES NOW

You can check the owner's manual to find out exactly your vehicle's tire requirements. Or, speak with a tire professional to determine which models best suit your vehicle.