What Does 4×4 Mean on a Truck?

Have you ever seen “4×4” on the side of a truck and wondered what it meant? There are many things about trucks that you may not be familiar with if you’ve never owned one before. Some of these features may not be as necessary to know about (at least, in great detail) before choosing a truck to buy. Other features, like “4×4”, are essential to understand before settling on which truck you want. So, what does 4×4 mean on a truck?

Defining 4×4

The label 4×4 references the type of drive system the truck has. In this case, it means the truck has four-wheel drive; that is, 4×4 and four-wheel drive are synonymous. This drive system sends power to all four wheels rather than just the front two or the back two. Trucks with 4×4 drive systems come in two types: part-time 4×4 and full-time 4×4.

Part-Time 4×4

Trucks with part-time 4×4 drive systems require driver input to engage the four-wheel drive capacity. You could think of it as being similar to the truck having a manual transmission as opposed to an automatic transmission. Operating a truck with a part-time 4×4 drive system puts more responsibility on the driver to operate it correctly. Because power is delivered equally to all four wheels, which prevents them from rotating independently of one another, the truck can’t turn on dry pavement when 4×4 is activated. If you try, the system will bind up. The driver must engage and disengage the system based on what makes sense given road conditions.

Full-Time 4×4

You’ll find full-time 4×4 in most modern trucks. It’s a bit different from part-time 4×4: With full-time 4×4, the system is always engaged, which avoids the need for driver input. Rather than the driver turning the system on or off, the differentials and transfer case distribute torque in different amounts to each of the four wheels. That distribution of torque is what prevents the binding that would otherwise occur. Without having to worry about making changes to the car’s system, the driver is less likely to run into issues.

4×4 Pros

Truck owners tend to be drawn to 4×4 systems because they offer superior traction, control, and power. It’s what makes it possible for a truck to handle offroading with ease and to more safely navigate hazardous driving conditions like snow, ice, rocks, and more. The additional weight is also helpful, as it helps the truck grip the road’s surface better, particularly in non-dry conditions. Those who find themselves driving in the middle of a snowy, icy winter or who enjoy offroading will benefit from having a truck that has a 4×4 drive system.

4×4 Cons

While there are distinct advantages to having a truck with a 4×4 drive system, it’s not the right choice for everyone. This drive system tends to be more expensive. The additional weight leads to higher fuel costs. More maintenance is needed as well, to say nothing of the added expense of simply owning a car with a 4×4 system. You’ll also need to remember to break sooner. The truck’s greater weight means it needs more space to come to a stop.

A 4×4 system can also lead to overconfidence in drivers, which is dangerous in and of itself. Overconfidence can lead to you putting your truck in more situations where it can get stuck, or it can trick drivers into thinking that they don’t need to slow down as much as they should in poor driving conditions. That can lead to dangerous accidents. As such, it’s generally best to only use a 4×4 drive system when you actually need it.

It’s always best to have at least a basic understanding of the features that come with any vehicle you purchase. Considering how much work truck owners tend to put their trucks through (even if they aren’t strictly work trucks), it’s even more important to understand the features of a truck, especially when it comes to the drive system. Knowing what 4×4 means on a truck will help you choose a truck with the right drive system to tackle the jobs you intend to use it for.

Are you in the market for a work truck with a 4×4 drive system? If so, Riverton Chevrolet has you covered! Click here to see our selection of work trucks with 4×4 drive systems today!