Adam's Auto Solution Blog

Most people own 4x4s but don't really know how to use them. There are ways in which you can successfully off-road the vehicle in the right way doing the work yourself. The automotive industry has worked consistently to manufacture trucks that are perfectly amazing. They have been designed to comfortably handle highways, but the situation changes when you go off the pavement onto the dirt. Going off-road is an adventure that can be confusing and challenging if you are not well prepared. To help you get ready, here are some basics that will guide you as you plan to get onto the rough road on your four-wheel machine.

Understand the Vehicle Well

Your 4x4 vehicle has a series of major systems that play a big role when you go off the road into the wilderness. It is advisable that you know all of these components and their functions as well.

Traction Control

Many 4x4 cars are designed with a certain level of traction control. Based on the conditions your vehicle has been designed to overcome, it could possibly have an on and off setting or a bigger system with setting control programmes to handle different traction conditions. Traction control systems use 4x4 mechanicals or brakes to limit cases of slipping and ensure effective transfer of torque from your tire system to the entire trail. It communicates to the computer display system on board in order to constantly monitor the wheel and brakes accordingly to maintain the vehicle's forward thrust. It is always good to learn your type of traction control system and the various settings on your vehicle's owner's manual.

Locking Differential System

A locking differential system is essentially designed to lock turning ability of the right and left wheel together. For normal on-road driving situations, wheels on the inside of the car run slower on corners. At this instance, you will need the wheels of your car to turn at different speeds. For cases of wheel-drive systems, the computer system constantly makes adjustments by shifting the forward thrust power to where it is needed. However, the varying speed between the left and right on the trail can possibly lead traction loss as the power goes to the wheel system with the least amount of resistance.

4WD Low vs. 4WD High

4WD High is literally what you use to drive around daily. It offers better top-end speed with lower torque to the wheels when the vehicle stops. However, when you do a 4WD Low, there is more torque on low-end speeds with top speed being maxed out quickly. Therefore, 4WD low offers you a lot of power at low speeds on the trail.

For more information, talk to a specialist at an auto parts store, such as Wilkinson Suspension Centre.