Contrary to popular belief, 4×4 does not imply that all four wheels turn concurrently at the same pace. The outside tires of a four-wheeled vehicle rotate more quickly than the interior tires. The axle’s differential will make up for the extra distance traveled by the outer wheel compared to the inside.
The wheel with minor traction will receive most of the engine’s power when driving on a slick surface. Therefore the revolution that is sliding the most will receive the most energy. That’s because force always chooses the route of least resistance, according to the rules of nature, often known as physics.
There is always at least one wheel on each drive axle that the engine’s power can efficiently drive, while an OHV operates in four-wheel drive mode since the front and rear axles are synchronized.
By lightly depressing the brake pedal to slow down the spinning wheel and transfer that wheel’s energy to the wheel with traction, a 4×2 vehicle can be made to behave like a 4×4.
4×4 (4WD)
A car with four-wheel drive that is 4×4 (4WD). In a 4WD vehicle, “4×4” refers to the total number of wheels and driving wheels. Typically, utility quads are 4×4.
4 x 2 (2WD)
A vehicle with two-wheel drive (2WD) on all four wheels is known as a 4×2 or 2WD. In a 2WD vehicle, “4×2” refers to the total number of spins and the number of driving wheels. The driven wheels can be either the back or the front. However, the back wheels are most frequently used. Typically, sports ATVs are 4×2.
Temporary 4WD
This describes an OHV with an on-demand 4-wheel drive system that synchronizes the front and rear axles using a shift lever to drive all four wheels. Part-Time 4WDs often have two gear ranges, called Hi and Lo.
Part-time In 2WD mode, 4WD systems must be used on concrete, asphalt, or other rough, slick surfaces. They are made only to be activated in specific circumstances when you require extra traction, and if you drive them on hard surfaces, harm may result.
Permanent 4WD
This describes a 4-wheel-drive system that is always operable on all terrain. Typically, full-time 4-wheel-drive systems offer a part-time mode, so you can switch to 2WD while on concrete or pavement. The Hi and Lo speed ranges are not usually present in full-time 4WD systems.
Drivetrain: Automatic Four-Wheel (A4WD)
When 4WD is required, this type of drive system automatically engages it. This is accomplished using monitors that detect various wheel speeds and activate 4WD. This type of automatic mechanism is seen in the Polaris Ranger electric vehicle.
Change Gears Quickly 4WD
The driver can manually go from 2WD to 4WD Hi without stopping thanks to this 4-Wheel-Drive technology. These devices usually have a speed limit below 60 mph at which you can activate the system. Pushing the button won’t try to engage 4WD since OHVs that employ an electronic actuator (such as a push-button instead of a shift lever) will only enable shifting to 4WD-Hi while under the rated speed.