When picking out a new car, there are many features to consider. One of the more important ones that many people tend to overlook is the type of drivetrain your new car uses. For most vehicles, this will either come in the form of front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
However, many cars these days offer all-wheel drive as an option. This is when the engine powers all four wheels at once. If most cars are fine with just two powered wheels, though, what’s the purpose of owning a vehicle that uses all four? In this article, we’ll cover why AWD might be the best option based on your needs.
Improved Road Traction
The main reason people buy vehicles with AWD is for the improved traction they get on roads. Even though you could buy improved car tires for your two-wheel drive vehicle, the improvement in traction won’t compare.
The reason why AWD is so much better is the process of spinning all four wheels simultaneously will give you more control, especially in troublesome conditions. Whether your car is going through rain or snow, AWD will help you ensure it stays on the road at all times. This quality is great for peace of mind when traveling with your family.
Potential for Off-Roading
Speaking of driving on the road, another reason to get an AWD vehicle is that you can potentially take them off the road. Thanks to the four fully powered wheels, your car can drive over all kinds of terrain. This ability makes it easier to park in the grass if needed or go off the beaten path a bit when exploring the outdoors.
However, if you want to get serious about off-roading and go down mud-filled trailheads and over bumpy terrain, you’ll need to get a four-wheel drive vehicle instead. A few key differences between AWD and 4WD make 4WD the better choice for serious off-roading. Still, it’s good to know that your AWD drive vehicle can handle it when needed.
Is This Feature Worth It?
When it comes to the purpose of owning an AWD vehicle, though, that’s really all that sets it apart from the other options. AWD can increase the value of your car, but it’ll also come with increased maintenance costs, so those two even each other out. Plus, there are plenty of ways you can increase the value of your vehicle after the fact. That means you should get AWD only if these features appeal to you. However, many people will still choose AWD if given the chance. This is thanks to the peace of mind it gives since you’ll be able to remain in control over your vehicle, no matter which type of conditions you’re driving through.
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