subject: Getting The Most Of An Off Road Car By Buying A 4wd Vehicle [print this page] If you enjoy using an off road car for uses such as camping, hill climbing and simple exploration, you should probably consider getting a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. They are also sometimes known as 4X4s. These are vehicles in which the engine power is transmitted directly to all four wheels, rather than to only the front or back wheels which is the case with two wheel drive vehicles. For off road use, there is no better vehicle type than 4WD. The following are some things to consider before buying 4WD vehicles and some advantages of these types of vehicles for off road use.
Greater Traction in Various Conditions
One of the primary advantages of 4X4 vehicles is the fact that they have much greater traction in various off road conditions. The word traction is being used loosely here the literal traction depends mainly on wheel tread patterns and so forth. But 4WD cars have a greater ability to navigate on many different off road surfaces without getting stuck, and thus have greater traction in the general sense. The fact that all four wheels can turn means that the task of moving the weight of the vehicle is shared by all four wheels, with each wheel taking only of the total vehicle weight. This allows for much greater push and ability of a vehicle to extricate itself from various conditions.
This can be very helpful in conditions such as mud, snow, ice, sand, rock, water, and areas with grass and foliage. These are all areas that are common to find in off road scenarios. Four wheel drive can help the car to successfully drive through these conditions. 2 wheel drive vehicles, even if they are designated as off road cars of one sort or another (due to the tires, engine, and so on) will be much more prone to getting stuck, skidding, and so on.
More Terrains Means More Versatility and Fun
The whole point of off road driving is to be able to drive around on surfaces that would be difficult or impossible for ordinary 2WD cars to negotiate. Thus, if you really want to make the most of an off road car, a 4WD is the way to go. A 4WD will allow you to drive with confidence and safety in a variety of off road environments, and this will make your off road experience more varied and versatile. This means more fun and interesting off road driving for you as a car owner and sportsman. A multifaceted off road or wilderness driving experience is what you want.
Greater Control
As well as simple traction, a 4WD vehicle can give you more control generally as a driver. The fact that all four wheels have torque makes for more forward thrust that can be useful on turns and in various other tricky road situations. Driving control goes hand in hand with effective off road vehicular activity.
Work Uses
Not all off road driving is recreational in nature. 4WD vehicles are often used for work purposes. For instance, a farmer or forestry professional might buy a 4WD vehicle to use for hauling logs or other heavy items out of a field or forest. Again, for all the reasons given above, a 4WD vehicle will probably be the best choice here. It has the necessary drive and traction for hailing heavy items effectively.
Another work use is simply carrying heavy loads. A truck filled with heavy stone gravel for instance will want as much forward push as possible to move the weight efficiently. 4WD drive vehicles, having more forward thrust, can provide this. This will help the vehicle to drive smoothly and energetically even with heavy loads.
Make sure Vehicle is Designed for Off Road Use
You need to make sure any vehicle you are considering for off road use is designed for the purpose. Just because a vehicle has four wheel drive doesnt mean it has been built to effectively drive in off road conditions. This may simply be a feature for giving greater traction and navigability in the ice and snow. Check with the manufacturer or dealer to make sure that the car you are considering really is an off road vehicle.
by: Hugh Mcinnes
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