How To Use 4-Wheel Drive: A Comprehensive GUIDE

A part-time 4×4 should be driven in a 4H when the driving surface is slippery and wheel traction is low. Modern 4x4s do not require you to stop completely before engaging 4H and can be safely done at speeds up to 55-60Mph. 2H is designed for high traction surfaces and highway driving.

I’ve owned a variety of 4x4s over 20+ years, however, it appears to me that 4-wheel drive vehicles have become even more popular over the past couple of years. My personal theory is that after/during the pandemic when international traveling was not allowed, more and more travelers were getting into offroading, overlanding, and driving 4x4s as an alternate way of getting out, traveling, and exploring their own countries.

That is why I think it’s important to know how to drive your specific 4WD and when it is appropriate to engage the various 4×4 modes. This is key since it can mean the difference between having a fun day in the mountain tracks or hundreds/thousands of dollars worth of damage later.

Knowing which driving surfaces you can safely engage 4WD is very important to preserve your drivetrain components.

In the following section of this article, I will discuss the right time to engage and disengage 4WD mode and how to drive a 4WD under various challenging driving conditions.

When we embark on an off-road trip, while driving to our destination, we are usually required to cover some distances on the freeways first to get out of the city. When driving in the city with a part-time 4-wheel-drive you will want to keep the vehicle in 2H mode. This mode only propels the rear wheels and offers the best MPG range. This is because 2H uses fewer drivetrain components to propel the vehicle forward, hence less resistance.

• Once you leave the tarmac and hit any gravel or sand tracks you want to engage 4H immediately.
• The 4H means the power of the vehicle will be split 50/50 between the front and rear axles giving the vehicle a more stable feel and more traction is gained since all 4 wheels are propelling the vehicle forward.
• The front wheels will pull and the rear wheels will push offering superior traction and stability over the 2H mode.
• If you have a permanent 4WD vehicle you will not be required to do anything once you leave the tarmac and get onto the gravel roads since the vehicle is always in 4H mode.
• Part-time 4WD vehicles do not have a viscous coupling between the front and rear driveshafts which allows them to rotate at different speeds when needed.

For this reason, we cannot engage 4H on the tarmac with a part-time 4WD, since drive train windup will occur. It is only once we leave the tarmac or a high-traction surface where adequate slippage between front and rear wheels is present that we safely engage 4H, such as sand, gravel, grass, or snow driving surfaces.

When not to Engage 4-Wheel Drive

For this article, unless otherwise stated, I will always be referring to a part-time 4WD and not a permanent or full-time 4WD.  

Do not engage 4H when you are driving under the following conditions:

1. On the freeway when road surfaces are dry
2. On cement when traction is good and surfaces are dry
3. On a semi-slippery surface such as a partly snow-covered tar road
4. On a semi-slippery surface such as a partly wet tar road
5. On winding roads where surface traction is good
6. On any driving surface where wheel grip is good and the wheels cannot easily slip or lose traction

It is very important to understand the above since there is a major risk of causing major damage to your vehicle which could run into the hundreds of thousands to repair. When you engage the 4H on high traction surfaces the risk of “driveline binding” is massive. Drivetrain components will be at risk of failing and the 4WD system will begin to lock up.

This effect causes your vehicle to under-steer heavily, gears to get jammed, and makes steering very difficult and even jerky.

• This phenomenon is caused by the front wheels battling the rotational force coming from the front driveshaft as it tries to slow down the front wheels, causing the massive under-steer effect.
• You should avoid engaging 4WD on a high traction surface at all costs.
• The longer you drive in that mode, you risk serious damage to your drive-train components and you will find it increasingly difficult to remove it from 4WD mode and switch back to 2WD mode.

How to Disengage 4WD Mode

When driving in 4Hi on a slippery road and the surface changes to a tarmac road or any high-traction surface you need to remove the vehicle from the 4H mode. This is done by bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and placing the 4×4 dial or short ration gear lever back into 2H. Many modern 4WD vehicles are now equipped with a 4A option on the 4×4 Dial selector.

• This option – which can be found on the new Ram and Jeep Wranglers, for example, allows the vehicle to be driven in 4A which essentially is 4H, or in the 2H mode without any risk.
• The 4A or Auto 4H mode allows the driver to leave the selection in 4A mode irrespective of the driving surface and the vehicle will take care of the rest.

When 4Lo is engaged, once again, the vehicle needs to be brought to a complete stop first before you can change the driving mode back to 4H or 2H once back on the tarmac. 4Lo is seldom used and should only be engaged when you cannot safely overcome an obstacle in 4H and high torque combined with slow controlled speed is required to do so.

Permanent 4WD vs Part-Time 4WD

Vehicles with part-time 4WD systems have differentials that are fitted to the front and rear axle assemblies. That is the big round bell housing you see underneath your truck and is the lowest part of your vehicle.

When driving in 2H the power is transferred through the rear propeller shaft or driveshaft to the rear final drive and the differential gears and rear axle shaft. The gears in the rear differential allow the rear wheels to turn at different speeds when the vehicle turns left or right. While continuing to transfer equal torque to each wheel.

Understanding Part-time 4WD Systems

When 4WD is engaged by selecting 4H in a part-time 4-wheel drive, the transfer case joins the front and rear driveshafts and transmits equal power to the front and rear axles via the two driveshafts. The final drive is transmitted through both the front and rear axle assemblies which propel the wheels.

When turning, the swiveling effect caused by the front wheels creates a wider turning circle than the rear wheels, and this, in turn, causes a difference in the rotational speeds between the front and rear wheels. This phenomenon results in a difference in rotational speeds of the front and rear propeller shafts (Driveshafts).

Due to the difference in speed between the inner and outer wheels, both axle shafts also turn at dissimilar speeds. Variances in speed can also be caused by uneven tire wear between the front and rear wheels or different inflation pressures.

Understanding Full-Time 4WD Systems

In a full-time 4WD system, power is permanently sent to all four wheels and they are always driven. Occasionally the power is sent equally and other times it varies due to low traction driving surface to cause variations in the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheels such as driving in snow, ice, sand, and mud, or when the vehicle is turning.

Contrary to popular belief a 4WD is only an advantage under acceleration and does not assist you with stopping or turning on slippery surfaces. Only outfitting your vehicle with good AT (All-terrain) tires will enhance your vehicle’s stopping and turning capabilities on low traction surfaces. This upgrade will also assist your vehicle with electronic stability and traction management systems.

Handling Characteristics of a 4-wheel drive

4WDs have very unique handling compared to smaller sedans, hatchbacks, and other monocoque chassis-type vehicles. The reason is the body on frame design and the higher center of gravity of a 4WD.

• When driving on the tarmac with a ladder frame 4WD the vehicle will feel slightly top-heavy with a bit more body roll in corners than a normal vehicle.
• This is a side-effect or negative property of a ladder-frame chassis design where the body sits on top of the ladder-frame chassis, unlike a car’s monocoque chassis where the vehicle’s framework and chassis is one complete molded structure.
• The excessive weight of a ladder framed 4WD is a huge disadvantage when it comes to vehicle on-road performance and fuel efficiency.
• A 4WD vehicle’s mass and larger turning circle make turning in emergency maneuvers or parking in tight spaces challenging.
• The ladder frame is much heavier than monocoque, thus increasing fuel consumption and diminished performance compared to monocoque-type vehicles.

The high center of gravity negatively impacts the vehicle’s cornering ability as there is excessive torsional flexing.

Breaking is weak due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Body roll can be reduced by upgrading the suspension to a stiffer setup, however, it will never be as crisp and direct as a monocoque chassis vehicle. Their lack of crumple zones and safety features in older ladder-frame vehicles reduces occupants’ safety.

4-wheel drive Off-Road Superiority

When conquering any off-road obstacle you will almost always opt for the ladder frame since he has such off-road prowess with its tough framework. They can take any terrain you can throw at them. May that be rocks, gravel, sand, snow you name it, and while carrying a load. In this environment, the ladder frame comes into its own.

Ladder frame 4WDs have a higher floor plan that increases the center of gravity due to its design. This allows the vehicle to boast higher ground clearance which is excellent for conquering off-road obstacles or handling any off-road challenges you throw at it.

How To Drive Steep Uneven Hills

To ascend steep, uneven hills, utilize 2nd gear in 4Lo for balanced power and control. Engage the rear locker for traction on hills with ruts or loose gravel. Reduce tire pressure to 1.5 bar for improved traction.

If your vehicle lacks a rear differential locker but has TC, activate it to manage traction loss. Avoid slowing down if traction is lost; maintain a steady gas pedal to allow the traction control to engage promptly.

Maintain higher revs to prevent stalling if a slipping wheel regains grip. For vehicles with a torque converter, maintain constant revs for sustained performance uphill. Drive cautiously to prevent body panel, undercarriage, CV joint, or suspension damage. Prioritize a slow, steady pace and avoid stopping midway if feasible. Always inspect and plan your route by walking the hill beforehand. 

How To Drive Down Steep Descents

Descend steep terrain slowly, balancing speed with caution. On slippery mountain tracks, traction is easily compromised, so engage 4Lo and lockers when needed. Use the lowest gear to aid engine braking, ensuring full control.

For modern 4WDs with hill descent control, start at the lowest speed and incrementally increase when safe. Avoid coasting by staying in gear and never disengaging the clutch. Scan the track ahead, selecting the safest routes preemptively. Walk the trail to assess and choose the optimal driveline.

How To Drive on Gravel Roads

Maintain tire pressure at 1.5 bar for optimal performance, crucial for gravel roads. Never exceed 80km/h on these surfaces, no matter the visibility or road width. Stay vigilant for wildlife along the roadsides and scan for hazards like potholes and deep ruts.

Gravel or dirt roads can be enjoyable but watch out for corrugations—these sequences of ripples can make driving treacherous, causing the wheels to lose surface contact. If vibrations become uncomfortable due to road irregularities, decrease tire pressure to 1.2 bar, and drive within established tracks for a smoother ride

How to 4-Wheel Drive in Snow

When snow wheeling:

• Maintain momentum, akin to driving in slippery mud or deep sand.
• Adapt your approach based on snow type: read the snow’s texture and firmness.

Approach techniques based on snow conditions:

• Soft snow with a firm bottom: Maintain throttle to progress.
• Fluffy, bottomless snow with firm packing: Reduce tire pressure (2-4 psi), engage lockers, let snow pack on tires, and steadily throttle for slower forward movement.
• Avoid excessive digging or churning deep holes; if momentum halts, reverse a few feet and reattempt rather than digging in.

Adapt your driving approach based on snow depth:

• For shallow snow, use the gas pedal without deep concern about snow consistency.

How to 4-Wheel Drive in Mud

To prepare for mudding:

• Lower tire pressure to 18-20 psi for better traction.
• Engage the low range in the transfer case and disable Traction Control (TC) to avoid loss of momentum.
• Inspect the mud carefully using a stick to ensure no hidden obstacles lurk beneath the surface.

Check for potential hazards:

• Look out for logs or rocks hidden in the mud that could damage your vehicle’s underbody.
• Avoid deep ruts deeper than your tires to prevent your vehicle from getting stuck.

Transmission and driving strategy:

• For automatic transmission, use sequential shift in 4Lo.
• In manual transmission, select 1st or 2nd gear in 4Lo based on track tightness.
• Drive straight into muddy ruts as attempting to avoid them may be futile.

Always remember to exercise caution and anticipate potential risks when venturing through muddy terrains to avoid vehicle damage and ensure a smoother off-roading experience.

How to 4-Wheel Drive in Sand

Sand driving can be an exhilarating and fun experience if done correctly. Like most off-road driving conditions there are a few rules to adhere to. Nine times out of ten, you and your 4WD will do fine if you adhere to the following three guidelines.

Data	Description
Air down your tires	Gradually decrease tire pressure for better traction on specific terrains, like sand or rocks, while avoiding excessive deflation to prevent potential damage.
Use common sense	Rely on practical judgment and logic in decision-making to ensure safety and effectiveness in challenging situations, accounting for various factors and conditions.
Maintain momentum	Sustain continuous forward movement, particularly in off-road scenarios, to traverse obstacles, prevent getting stuck, and preserve vehicle control without excessive speeding.

Driving on beach sand relies on maintaining consistent forward momentum, irrespective of your vehicle’s brand. Gradual tire pressure reduction minimizes vehicle wear. Avoid excessive deflation to prevent sand grains causing air leaks between the tire bead and rim. Slightly larger tires with broader footprints offer improved performance on soft sand by spreading weight effectively.

Larger footprints provide better traction; however, excessively aggressive tire treads may sink into the sand instead of gliding atop it. Monitor tire pressure periodically, especially after extended drives, as sand buildup inside tires may cause heat and subsequent re-inflation.

In sandy conditions, closely monitor engine temperature due to high resistance and elevated external temperatures. Steady driving helps maintain optimal operating temperatures and traction while mitigating the risk of engine overheating.

How to Tackle Deep Ruts in 4WD

Engaging 4Lo with lockers requires slow yet steady driving to maintain momentum, essential for overcoming obstacles with airborne wheels. This approach ensures the effectiveness of differential lockers.

In case of traction loss despite lockers, stop immediately and retry with slightly more momentum, gently maneuvering the vehicle over each rut. Smooth momentum minimizes track damage from wheel spinning. Without lockers, use traction control (TC) and maintain higher momentum to avoid simultaneous wheel drops into opposing ruts, preventing excessive spinning and track damage. Ground at least 3 wheels when navigating off-road ruts without lockers.

How to Rock Crawl with a 4WD

Rock crawling involves driving off-road over large rocks and technical terrain, requiring careful, slow navigation and optimal drive line selection. An experienced spotter’s guidance is crucial due to limited visibility. Keeping tires on the high side is advisable for control.

This extreme off-road activity demands trust between driver and spotter to prevent accidents. Vehicles with solid front and rear axles, like Jeep Wranglers or Land Rover Defenders, are popular choices due to superior flexing capabilities. Upgraded suspensions with longer shock travel and large 35″ tires are ideal for rock crawling setups.

When to Engage 4Lo

“4-Lo” signifies 4WD Low-range, driving all wheels via transmission and transfer case. Most off-road 4x4s have 2H, 4H, and 4-Lo modes.

Vehicles in 4-Lo use lower gear ratios, optimizing power and torque for obstacle navigation, and preventing stalls on challenging terrain. This mode eases tackling tough landscapes without burdening essential vehicle components.

Terrain	Description
Loose deep beach sand	Soft, deep sand that offers little traction and can be challenging to drive through.
Thick mud	Heavy, viscous mud that can significantly impede vehicle movement.
Rock crawling	Heavy, viscous mud can significantly impede vehicle movement.
Steep uneven low-traction Inclines	Driving over large rocks or boulders, requires slow, precise maneuvering.
Long technical declines	Extended downward slopes that require careful and controlled descent.
Deep River crossings	Crossing through rivers or water bodies with considerable depth.

4-Lo uses shorter gear ratios, keeping the vehicle within the power range. Many people are under the impression that 4-Lo increases the torque of the vehicle, however, it does not increase but only utilizes the available torque better and quicker by keeping the vehicle in a higher rev range and in the highest torque band of the vehicle. This ensures the vehicle’s power is readily available when needed.

When To Use 4 Hi And 4 Low?

Engage 4-Lo for remarkable 4WD capabilities in challenging terrains like sand, steep slopes, mud, and boulders. This setting provides unparalleled traction and ease through tough conditions, ensuring safe travel.

Utilize 4-Lo’s lower gear for engine braking, aiding controlled descent on downhill paths, reducing reliance on brakes alone for handling.

Reserve 4-Lo for demanding scenarios requiring maximal traction and power. It’s crucial for navigating intricate obstacles like rock crawling or handling loose surfaces to prevent clutch damage or gearbox overheating. Assess each off-road challenge, prioritizing a slow and steady approach to ensure vehicle safety.

“As slow as possible, as fast as necessary”

Always ensure you keep the risk of vehicle damage to an absolute minimum. This will mean you will at times have to exit your vehicle and walk the terrain or the obstacle first to determine the best driving line and if there is any risk of stalling or if a roll-back or even a rollover is a possibility. This is something you want to avoid at all costs. It is better to be safe than sorry and I always say, if you have the functionality on your vehicle, use it.

How to Drive a 4WD on the Beach

Always try and aim for more densely packed or damp sand on the beaches. This is good for both the environment and vehicle stability. Always scan sand terrain ahead as sand tracks can get bumpy and uneven from dirt bikes and ATVs churning up the sand.

Sand Dune Driving Tips

• Maintain speed and momentum to clear dunes effectively.
• Check for a suitable approach ramp to avoid nosediving into the dune.
• Use throttle judiciously to ascend gently and avoid steep nosedives.
• Practice timing and judgment when releasing the gas for a successful climb.
• Misjudgment can lead to inadequate ascent or flying over, risking damage.
• Prioritize visibility; turn off before the dune’s apex if uncertain.
• Caution against going airborne to prevent potential damage and injury.
• If stalled midway, reverse and retry the ascent with more speed.
• Keep the vehicle straight while reversing down a high sand dune.
• Always carry recovery tools and ideally, have a driving buddy for safety.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Driving a 4WD vehicle becomes enjoyable with proper gear selection, understanding power band dynamics, and engaging 4Lo judiciously. Tire pressure significantly affects off-road capabilities. Approach obstacles cautiously, avoid high speeds, and consider the environment and other vehicles. Minimize wheel spinning, preserve tracks, and show respect to both your vehicle and the surroundings consistently.