A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a 4WD - AllCarIndex
If you're a fan of adventure and thrill, then getting a four-wheel drive (4WD) is most likely a part of your bucket list. Getting the right 4WD will give you some of the most memorable travel experiences and allow you to explore deep trails. However, before you get overly-excited at the prospect of purchasing a 4WD, it will help to research to help you narrow down your choices.
4WDs come in several types and models, so you may be overwhelmed with the options in the market. Aside from brands and models, you will also have to look into many specifications, which may seem too technical if you're not familiar with 4WDs. Furthermore, getting a vehicle is a significant investment, so you also have to be proactive and think of things like the availability of 4WD parts or maintenance costs.
Get to Know Different Types
The most common 4WDs you will find are also called 4X4 vehicles and are a perfect choice for adventurous people since they are ideal for off-roading or rally driving. 4X4 vehicles come with four tires that drive at the same rate when you engage the locking mechanism.
If you enjoy the increased gas mileage and traction of 4WDs but prefer a less intense vehicle, you can opt to get a part-time 4WD. Part-time 4WDs are ideal for more common routes, such as highways and streets since they allow you to switch the 4WD system on when you need to use it. This feature allows you to save on fuel, especially if you do not intend to use your vehicle for your hiking adventures.
Similar to the manual and automatic features of cars, you can also get automatic 4WDs that allow you to drive conveniently with varying road conditions. These 4WDs come with advanced technologies that automatically switch to the 4WD system if the road that you're driving on requires greater traction. This feature will help you drastically reduce fuel consumption since the traditional 4X4 vehicles require all four wheels to be powered throughout.
Choose a Brand and Model
Once you have chosen the type of 4WD you want, you can decide on your preferred brand and model. Selecting a famous brand is beneficial not only because the company has a track record of providing quality products but also because you can be ensured that it will be easy to get 4WD parts in case your vehicle has issues.
Understand Tyres and Ground Clearance
Another important feature to consider in a 4WD is ground clearance. This feature refers to the ride height or the distance between the chassis of your vehicle and the ground. Depending on where you plan to use your 4WD, you typically want to find a model with high ground clearance.
With regards to tyres, always double-check to see if your 4WD comes with a full-sized spare tyre. Likewise, the size of your tyres will depend on where you plan to use your vehicle. If you intend to use your 4WD for off-roading or bush bashing, you will need big and fat tyres to support the road conditions.
Getting your first 4WD can be an exciting moment, but you still want to make sure you choose the perfect model to suit your needs. Once you find the right vehicle and get the hang of it, you can go out and start off-roading in famous 4WD tracks !