Kyrgyzstan is a land of mountains and highlands, and is endowed with long snowy winters. Winters can change the road surfaces rapidly, making them slippery, and posing a threat for inexperienced drivers and vehicles with low traction control. 

Not all vehicles can handle snow and ice laden roads effectively. AWD and 4WD vehicles provide better handling and safer traversing during snow and ice. Unlike two-wheel-drive vehicles driven from the front or rear wheels, in AWD and 4WD, power is directed to all four wheels. However, both handle snow and ice differently from one another. Let us have a look at their differences and similarities. 

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Traction is crucial when driving on snowy and icy roads. All-wheel-drive systems deliver power to all four wheels at the same time, providing better traction when required. In most All-wheel drive vehicles, the system is always on and active. So, no decision making is required on the part of the driver.

Pros

  • Entirely automatic; driver does not need to manually engage four-wheel-drive

  • Best choice for rough or extreme weather; also works well on dirt and mud

  • Provides improved handling and better grip on the road

Cons

  • Greater weight and increased fuel consumption as compared to front and rear-wheel-drive

  • Faster wear of tires as compared to front or rear-wheel-drive

  • Not suitable for hard-core off-roading

Four Wheel Drive (4WD or 4x4)

Four-wheel-drive vehicles provide better traction and handling for driving in deeper snow, extreme weather conditions or for off-roading purposes. 

Pros

  • Best choice for serious off-roading

  • Least likely to get stuck in mud, dirt, snow or uneven terrain

Cons

  • Requires the driver to manually engage four-wheel-drive

  • Reduced fuel economy in four-wheel-drive mode

  • More rapid tire wear in four-wheel-drive mode

The principle difference between 4WD and AWD is that, while 4WD systems are able to send power to the front and rear axles, they’re also able to direct a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels. In general, 4WD systems are designed for maximum off-road prowess and are usually built into vehicles with truck-based platforms.

According to Autokyrgyz.com, most drivers trust AWD and 4WD cars for driving on snowy and icy roads. However, these systems help only in accelerating in slippery conditions. They do not help during turning or braking. Brakes always work on all four wheels to slow a vehicle, irrespective of its drivetrain. For improved accelerating, turning and braking abilities during adverse winter conditions, Autokyrgyz.com recommends winter tires for your vehicles.

Log on to Autokyrgyz.com to browse AWD and 4WD vehicles of your choice. You will find a wide range of vehicles for sale at unbelievable prices! In addition to cars, you can also buy insurance and spare parts for your vehicles.