The process of buying a new vehicle can be very overwhelming. You are thrown into a decision-making frenzy: “What’s your budget?” “How often do you drive?” “Are you loyal to Toyota?”. It is hard to know the answer to all these questions, especially if you are going through this process for the first time.
You’re probably here because you were wondering, or have been asked in a dealership, do you want a vehicle that is 4-Wheel Drive (4WD), or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)? Let’s just say, you’re doing the right thing- research is your best friend.
Read on to find out the difference between these features, and which one is right for your lifestyle.
What is the difference between AWD and 4WD?
The difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive stems from the mechanics of your vehicle. Let’s start with all-wheel drive. AWD is an automatic system that powers all four wheels with maximum traction. A vehicle with AWD is ideal for people who live in cities that have conditions that make driving more difficult (aka, Winnipeg winters). AWD allows you to drive your car, without having to worry about how your wheels are managing the ever-changing road conditions.
As for four-wheel drive, all four wheels are equally engaged and powered. The only difference is that 4WD is a setting you shift your car into. Without manually shifting your car into 4WD, your car remains in two-wheel drive making it easier for your car to slip or slide in certain weather conditions. Unless you are using your car in warm, dry locations or to adventure into the off-road lifestyle, AWD is the easiest, and preferred way to go.
Does AWD help with Winter driving?
Living in Manitoba means that you have to consider the extremities of our winters when making a lot of decisions. What kind of insurance do I need? What kind of coat should I invest in? What kind of car should I buy?
We can help make one decision easy, investing in AWD is important to ensure driving in our winters, and other weather conditions, as safe as possible. You don’t need to worry about manually switching when you feel your car sliding on a patch of ice, or getting stuck in a snow rut. AWD makes those decisions for you so you can keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Conclusion
Your safety, and the longevity of your vehicle is important. It’s worth doing the research to make sure you are choosing the right option. If you are worried about your credit getting in the way of making the decision that is right for you, we are here to help.
If reading this piqued your interest in learning more about winter driving, read this article on when to change to winter tires.
