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4WD
4WD vehicles are designed to perform on both paved roads and off-road situations. If you are considering taking your vehicle to its limits in an off-road situation, you need to be aware of the risks and how to avoid them. This is why 4WD training may be a smart idea.
Off-road driving is a skill that can be forgotten, most drivers do not get the opportunity more than twice a year, so a refresher course is always a smart idea to keep your skills sharp and ready to perform. Do not attempt off-roading in your 4WD vehicle if you do not have a basic understanding of what your vehicle can and cannot do. This basic understanding includes knowing the difference between full-time and part-time 4WD.
Full-time 4WD
This is also known as permanent 4WD. This means that there is a system that is powering all four wheels at all times. Each wheel will create 25% of the torque if you are driving on an even and uniform surface. If you are driving a full-time 4WD you have two options: 4-high and 4-low.
4-high will be the setting you use for everyday driving. When you select 4-low the tires create much more torque and the vehicle will move at much slower speeds. It is important to note that 4-low will NOT create more traction, so using this setting could prove detrimental in slippery conditions. 4-low is for when a driver needs to navigate difficult off-road terrain or tow a heavy trailer.
Part-time 4WD
As the name suggests, this gives you the ability to engage 4WD as and when you need it. The majority of the everyday driving will be done in 2WD and you will only shift into 4WD when you encounter ice, snow or a wet road. If you have hubs it is essential to remember to lock them and if your hubs are manually engaged, it is a smart idea to keep them connected during the entire winter. Proper distribution of weight is essential when you are driving in 2WD. More weight equals more traction and this means a safer vehicle.
Knowing the clearance of your vehicle
Successful navigation of off-road terrain relies on you knowing the clearance of your 4WD vehicle. You need to know your approach, break-over and departure angles. Once you know these you will be aware exactly what your vehicle can and cannot accomplish. This is simple enough to calculate. Place a stick to the base of the tire and lift it until it makes contact to the body. Do this on your front wheel and you have your approach angle and on the rear wheel you will have your departure angle. Place the stick to the rear of your front wheel and make contact with the middle of your vehicle, this will tell you your break-over angle.
If you are approaching an off-road obstacle, approach slowly and if you are unsure exit your vehicle and check your clearance angles. Knowing your clearance takes practice and is often helped with the assistance of a spotter to guide you.