The Ford F-150 is the number one truck in America, and with good reason. There is no shortage of excellent features that make it a standout among its class. One key appeal for Ford F-150 owners is the four-wheel-drive system. Whether you’re towing a massive load, heading off-road, or traveling along slippery roads, here’s what you need to know about the Ford F-150 and four-wheel drive.
What’s the Difference Between 4WD and AWD?
Even though all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems are similar, and many drivers use them interchangeably because they don’t understand the difference, they’re not entirely the same. They’re similar in that they deliver torque to all four wheels of the vehicle, as opposed to two-wheel-drive vehicles, which deliver torque to only the front two wheels or only the back two wheels.
Four-wheel-drive systems, however, tend to be built to withstand more rugged driving situations. While all-wheel-drive vehicles are excellent at maintaining traction in difficult conditions, four-wheel-drive vehicles can handle inclement weather and even more challenging off-road conditions. This is why many work vehicles use four-wheel-drive systems to provide the maximum benefit to owners.
How the Ford F-150 Uses 4WD to Help You Work and Play
The Ford F-150 uses a four-wheel-drive system with three interchangeable configurations to help you customize the amount of torque to your wheels and meet your needs in a given situation. When you own a Ford F-150, it’s beneficial to understand the ideal use for each of your options so you can get the most out of your truck. Here’s when you should use each drivetrain option:
- Two Wheel Drive: While there are many benefits to using four wheel drive on your vehicle, two wheel drive is the more fuel efficient option. When driving on well-maintained roads and in clear weather conditions, it’s best to keep your Ford F-150 in two-wheel-drive mode, so you can save gas, and you won’t need not having to worry about not having enough grip to remain in control.
- Four Wheel Drive Low: This option for your four-wheel-drive system provides maximum torque to your wheels, which is ideal when you’re navigating through difficult terrain and require strong pulling capabilities. This is also the most effective option when you’re towing or pulling something that’s large and heavy, and when you need to maximize your Ford F-150’s ability to generate force.
- Four Wheel Drive High: The high setting for your four-wheel-drive system is well-suited for slippery conditions. When you encounter snow, rain, or muddy roads, shifting your Ford F-150 into four wheel drive high will help you get the grip you need to drive safely and stay in control.
Advantages of 4WD
Four wheel drive is an incredibly useful and effective system that will make your Ford F-150 very reliable. Some of the perks of a truck with four wheel drive are:
- Adaptability: With three different options to choose from for your drivetrain, the Ford F-150’s four-wheel-drive system will ensure you can choose efficiency when you need it or increased power or grip when the situation calls for it.
- Versatility: Having four wheel drive also makes your truck capable of handling a versatile range of driving conditions. No matter where you need your Ford F-150 to go, when you engage four wheel drive, it will get you there.
- Safety: When you’re faced with challenging road conditions, four wheel drive is essential. The added traction will helps you stay safe in dangerous conditions, and you’ll be able to get from where you are to where you need to be without any issues.
When to Use 4WD
If you have a Ford F-150 truck and live in or around Spokane, and you’re curious about when to engage your four-wheel-drive system, here are the best opportunities for its use:
- On Slippery Conditions: If your tires are slipping because road conditions are not ideal, you can use four wheel drive to get the extra grip that you need. Choosing four wheel drive will make your Ford F-150 safer when the going gets slick.
- For Rough Terrain: When taking your Ford F-150 truck off-road, four wheel drive will help you navigate on a rough or uneven terrain. You’re not always guaranteed that all four of tires will be on the ground when driving across uneven ground, but ensuring that all of your wheels receive torque will keep your truck moving.
- Over Unstable Surfaces: Another off-road scenario where four wheel drive can help is when you’re drive across an unstable surface like gravel or sand. While two-wheel-drive vehicles may get stuck in these conditions, generating torque across all four tires greatly increases your ability to keep moving, which expands the places you can safely take your Ford F-150.
- To Escape When Stuck: You could find yourself in a predicament where you were able to get into an area with ease, but getting out of it, especially from a standstill, is problematic. When this occurs, switching from two wheel drive to four wheel drive will help to get your Ford F-150 moving again by allowing you to drive torque to the wheels that are better situated, or by increasing the total number of wheels that are able to work to free your truck.
- When Pulling Heavy Loads: When it comes to moving heavy objects, being able to maximize the torque driven to your wheels is essential. With four wheel drive engaged, you’ll achieve the upper limits of your Ford F-150’s towing capabilities.
If you think that the Ford F-150 is the right truck for you, the experts at Wendel Ford can help. We’re Spokane, Washington’s premier Ford dealership, and our trained staff can help you determine what you’re looking for in your next truck and pair you with the Ford F-150 you need. Get in touch with us through our online contact form, call us, or drop in, and we’ll explain the options for your next new or used Ford F-150 and get you behind the wheel for a test drive.
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