The drivetrain of your vehicle can impact a wide variety of different factors, from your car’s fuel efficiency to your safety. One of the most popular drivetrains currently on the market is all-wheel-drive. But is this option the best choice for your unique needs and preferences? To find out, consult this guide on the top pros and cons of all-wheel-drive.
Benefits of All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
- Increased Traction: One of the main benefits of all-wheel-drive vehicles is the increased traction they provide. By sending torque to all four wheels of the vehicle, the tires will have more grip on a surface than a vehicle with just front-wheel or rear-wheel drive.
- Enhanced Safety: Due to the increased traction that vehicles with AWD have, this drivetrain can increase your safety. When driving on slick surfaces such as snow, ice, or wet pavement, an all-wheel-drive vehicle will offer you more control and reduce your potential for sliding and getting into an accident.
- Improved Cornering: All-wheel-drive vehicles also have better cornering than their two-wheel-drive counterparts. Even on dry surfaces, driving around a sharp corner can cause a vehicle to lose control if the wheels slip. By delivering torque to all four wheels, however, the potential for an individual tire to spin while turning is greatly reduced.
Drawbacks of All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
- A Higher Price Tag: In order to enjoy the benefits listed above, you will need to pay a little extra. In comparison to two-wheel drive options, all-wheel-drive vehicles almost always have a higher price tag due to their increased complexity.
- More Expensive Service and Repair Costs: In addition to having a higher purchase price, the complexity of all-wheel-drive vehicles will often cause them to incur higher maintenance and repair costs.
- Less Optimal for the Off-Road: While AWD vehicles can provide increased traction, they aren’t as ideal as four-wheel drive vehicles when it comes to off-roading. Because 4WD vehicles can direct power between the left and right wheels as well as the front and back, they are better able to take on challenging obstacles out on the trails.
