One of the most common questions we receive from truck owners is whether or not four-wheel drive (4WD) trucks require more maintenance than two-wheel drive (2WD) trucks. There’s no simple answer to this—it really depends on the truck. But it is important that you understand the differences in each system and the kind of maintenance requirements each has.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should know about 2WD and 4WD maintenance in Flagstaff, AZ.
Differences to know
The biggest reason why people seek out 4WD vehicles over 2WD vehicles is the extra traction they provide in their drive. This results in a safer ride and a feeling of greater security for the driver. However, there are also some limitations associated with 4WD vehicles that drivers don’t often consider. One example is that while power to all four wheels will ensure better traction when moving in a straight line, it will not do anything to ensure proper braking or going around corners. The common phrase is, “It’s four-wheel drive, not four-wheel stop.”
For some people, this may or may not be difference maker, depending on driving habits. You should consider the power and drivetrain of a 2WD vehicle, as well as the potentially low gas mileage of a 4WD vehicle. Is the added traction of such great benefit to you that it will overshadow that mileage hit you’re likely to take?
4WDs do have a higher resale value, but they also will require some different types of maintenance. Note the word “different” here, rather than “more.” 4WD owners will have to consider maintenance needs such as locking hubs, self-leveling systems and front and rear differentials. In addition, vehicles with 4WD have a transfer case, and maintaining the transfer case is the same process here as with a vehicle on a standard transmission.
For the most part, unless you’re going to be doing some off-road driving, you probably won’t ever actually need the extra traction and capability provided by a 4WD vehicle over a 2WD system. There is a common misconception that you should really have 4WD if you’re going to be driving in rough weather, but so long as you have high-quality tires and advanced traction control systems (which most new vehicles have), then you should have no problem steering a 2WD vehicle through rain or snow.
When you’re in a mild climate without much in the way of rain or snow, you will probably not even notice a difference between 2WD and 4WD. The 4WD system, in such a case, will only serve to add weight and complexity to the system, which will cause your tires to wear down faster and result in you getting worse gas mileage. In this situation, you will have more maintenance requirements for a 4WD vehicle than a 2WD vehicle.
For more information about whether you should purchase a 4WD or 2WD vehicle and the kind of truck maintenance in Flagstaff, AZ you’d need to perform, contact Maclin Truck & Trailer today.