Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 at 14:03
There's a few reasons why you may want to consider using 4x4 when on dirt roads.
It provides a dramatic increase in stability/driveability and safety. Especially for people who don't usually drive on unmade roads.
The extra 'mechanical wear' is debatable for those without unlockable hubs. Those with permanently locked hubs still have the drive train moving as a result of the wheels turning. Against that you have less stress on the two wheel drive only components when you spread the power distribution over two diffs and four wheels/tyres.
By using 4wd you spread the power distribution over 4 wheels and reduce the impact of wheel spin/slide to the track.
The vehicle steers easier and much more effectively when in 4wd as opposed to 2wd on any surface.
Yes, you will find a small reduction on fuel economy, but you will also be travelling slower on dirt roads so there isn't likely to be much in it.
That said, drive your vehicle on a dirt road in 2wd for a few km's and include some curves and braking. Then repeat the exercise in 4wd over the same stretch of road. Have a look at the people in the vehicle with you and at the people in the other vehicles on the road with you. Tread your own path. ;)
Yes, I used to go
places in a 2wd before I purchased a 4wd, I've even driven to lots of
places in a 4wd but haven't engaged 4wd, I've even driven
places in 2wd that others have struggled to get to in 4wd but I've looked and tried the options and now I've decided that not only is my rear end important to me and my loved ones, my loved ones and everyone else on the road is kind of important as
well. The trivial operational cost of using a feature that I've already paid for seems to be worth it. YMMV
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