Knowing whether your car is all wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) can be important for driving safety and performance. AWD improves traction and handling, especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. But how can i tell if my car is all wheel drive?
Luckily, there are several straightforward ways to determine your car’s drivetrain. With a little detective work under the hood or inside the cabin, you’ll be able to confirm if your wheels are powered by just the front two or all four.
Check the Badges and Model Name
One of the easiest ways is to check for AWD badges on your vehicle. Automakers often place AWD or 4WD logos and wording on the rear of the vehicle, by the trunk or liftgate. For example, Subaru places a symmetrical AWD badge. You may also see a 4WD or AWD callout on the side body panels near the front wheels.
The model name or trim level can also indicate AWD. Any model with the letters “AWD” in it, like “CR-V AWD,” obviously has all wheel drive. Or a trim like “Grand Cherokee 4×4” points to a 4WD system.
If you bought your car used, double-check these signs against the window sticker or Monroney label. This will list the official drivetrain and other options of your particular car when new.
Check Under the Hood
Pop open the hood and you can often visually identify AWD by inspecting the tires and mechanical layout. A key giveaway is if the front and rear tires are the same size. FWD cars often have smaller spare tires. AWD models need adequately sized tires at all four corners for maximum traction and handling.
Next check for axle housings extending from the transmission to both the front and rear differentials. You’ll typically see two drivelines that transfer power to the front and back wheels. If you only see one driveline heading to the front diff, it’s likely FWD.
Some systems like Honda’s SH-AWD use a single housing, but you can still spot the rear differential. You may also see a power transfer unit that splits torque between the front and rear axles.
Look in the Cabin
The driver’s seat can provide more clues through buttons and controls. Switchgear for AWD lock modes or settings indicates your car is equipped with AWD or 4WD hardware. For example, Land Rover SUVs have a rotary Terrain Response knob to set modes like Snow, Mud and Sand.
Many AWD models from brands like Toyota, Ford and Jeep have physical transfer case levers or switches to shift between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. If equipped, this control module is usually central near the gear shifter or control console. There may also be an information screen displaying the AWD mode.
The manufacturer’s window sticker and manual will also confirm if AWD systems and modes are installed. This is helpful for used car owners without original paperwork.
Go for a Test Drive
You can definitively test whether power goes to all four wheels or just the front two by taking a short test drive.
Find a low-traction surface like gravel, mud, or snow. Accelerate gently from a stop and see if the front wheels spin or the rear wheels provide grip. In an AWD car, all four tires should turn without slipping.
Next, try driving the car in tight circles or figure eights. An AWD vehicle should track smoothly with no binding. In a FWD car, you may feel delayed power delivery from the front wheels dragging.
An Extended Test Drive
For the most thorough test, take an extended drive in different conditions. Travel on dry pavement then run through surfaces like loose dirt or wet grass. An AWD system should supply strong acceleration and traction at all times.
Move to a hilly area and climb steep grades, again noting if wheel spin is present. Descend hills and see if engine braking slows all four wheels evenly. On tight curves, AWD will also feel more planted and controlled.
You can confirm AWD engagement on the dashboard too. Many systems have indicators when all wheels are powered. This lighting should activate on low traction surfaces or when wheeled vehicle dynamics are detected.
Ask a Professional
If you want 100% verification, ask a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle and confirm its drivetrain. A dealership, repair shop or appraiser can easily identify AWD components and operation during a service or inspection. They can also provide documentation like window stickers or build sheets. Consider doing this for any used vehicle without service records.
AWD is Excellent for Safety and Performance
Knowing your vehicle’s AWD capabilities is important for safe driving on slippery roads and tough conditions. AWD allows engine power to reach all four wheels for maximum grip. This enhances steering, acceleration, and braking control when traction is compromised.
AWD is also excellent for durability, as torque and impact are distributed across all four wheels, not just two. Performance cars often have AWD to optimize grip when cornering hard or launching fast.
So take some time to detect if your car has all-paw traction. This knowledge will prepare you for confident driving when you need it most. Stay safe and have fun exploring your vehicle’s capabilities.
FAQs
Question: What’s the difference between AWD and 4WD?
Answer: AWD systems are always active and deliver varying power to all four wheels automatically. 4WD has selectable modes for 2WD, 4WD high, and 4WD low range off-road use. 4WD is more common on truck-based SUVs while AWD is often on car-based crossovers.
Question: How can I tell if my car has all wheel drive?
Answer: Check for AWD/4WD badges, model names, control switches, and dual rear axles under the hood. Spinning all four wheels evenly during acceleration can confirm AWD.
Question: Is AWD good to have where it snows?
Answer: Yes, AWD is excellent in snow, ice, and rain. Power goes to all four wheels for maximum traction. AWD makes accelerating, turning, and braking safer on slippery roads.
Question: Does AWD help on dry roads too?
Answer: AWD can improve handling and control on dry roads through even power distribution and reduced wheel spin on turns. Performance AWD models are especially agile on dry pavement.
Question: Is maintaining an AWD vehicle more expensive?
Answer: AWD vehicles have more drivetrain components to service so maintenance costs are slightly higher. Tires wear more evenly but the AWD system needs regular fluid changes and parts replacement.
