GET A GRIP

IN THIS INSTALMENT OF 4X4 AUSTRALIA’S HOW TO: OFF-ROAD DRIVING SERIES. WE’RE LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENT 4X4 SYSTEMS AND TRACTION AIDS AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS VEHICLES, WHAT THEY DO AND HOW TO BEST USE THEM

-  DEAN MELLOR

MODERN four-wheel drives are equipped with an impressive arsenal of 4x4 systems and traction aids designed to make them more capable – and easier to drive – off road, but to get the most out of your vehicle you need to know precisely what devices are at your disposal and how to correctly operate them.

When it comes to 4WD systems, there are part-time 4x4s, on-demand 4x4s and full-time 4x4s, and in the case of vehicles with genuine off-road capability, most* are usually equipped with two-speed transfer cases (high and low range) to allow for slow driving over obstacles and better performance in steep terrain.

As for traction aids, modern 4x4s are equipped with a combination of mechanical and electronic devices. Mechanical traction aids built in to a 4WD include its gearbox, transfer case, differentials and brakes, while electronic traction aids include electronic traction control, stability control, selectable drive modes and hill-descent control.

Of course, all these 4x4 systems and traction aids won’t be of much use unless you know when and how to use them.

*Owners of some Volkswagen Amarok models may disagree, but these vehicles have a low first gear to make up for the lack of a two-speed transfer case.

BACK TO BASICS

BEFORE we get stuck in to the electronic stuff, let’s look at the mechanical equipment that dictates how well a vehicle might perform off-road.