Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive is where both axles of a vehicle are driven by the engine. The system may be permanently connected, or drive to the second axle may be selected by the driver to suit the conditions.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are available in a variety of models, including offroad designs, estate cars, sports vehicles and saloons.

Vehicles that use a four-wheel-drive system by default are known as all-wheel drive (AWD). In most cases, the driver can’t switch into a two-wheel-drive mode. Standard four-wheel drive differs from AWD in that four-wheel drive is selected by the driver, generally in response to situations where low traction is likely, such as on slippery surfaces.

You don’t need any extra skill to drive four-wheel-drive vehicles on public roads. However, you should be aware that some large four-wheel-drive vehicles have blind spots that can easily obscure a group of pedestrians, a motorcyclist or even a small car.

Saloon cars with four-wheel drive

Some saloon cars are fitted with four-wheel drive. This can be

• an optional extra when buying a new vehicle
• part of the overall design, so that sensors in the vehicle’s drive system automatically engage four-wheel drive when appropriate.

Benefits

The main benefit of four-wheel drive in a saloon car is improved traction in all weather or road conditions.

Limitations

Saloon cars with four-wheel drive can deal with some off-road conditions. However, because of their low ground clearance, they won’t deal with very soft surfaces. In these conditions off-road vehicles with higher ground clearance and off-road tyres perform better.

The same applies to snow. A four-wheel-drive saloon will deal very well with snow up to a certain depth, but not with very deep snow.

Driving off-road

Off-road driving requires a very different technique from driving on asphalt. It’s a good idea to have some off-road driver training to help you learn these skills. However good your technique, though, you should always keep to safe driving principles.

• Remember to take into account the nature of the terrain. This can vary a lot, from heavily rutted tracks with stones, rocks and hidden obstructions, to steep gradients with soft, slippery surfaces.
• When driving up or across a steep slope, be aware of the risk of the vehicle rolling.
• Take corners at a steady speed. The stability of the vehicle could be affected if it’s driven recklessly.
• Understand both your own and the vehicle’s limitations and stay within them.

Hidden obstructions, such as boulders and rocks, could damage the underside of your vehicle or suddenly deflect the steering, causing loss of control.

Whatever type of vehicle you drive, if you take part in off-road activities, remember to

• avoid damaging walls, fences, paths, grassland, crops, etc
• take care not to harm livestock or wildlife
• respect the environment
• close gates behind you
• drive in a responsible manner at all times.

Defensive driving

When travelling diagonally downhill, always look for an escape route straight down the slope in case the vehicle strikes any object or there’s a danger of overturning.