What you need to know about your car’s drivetrain

By Edward Boateng OPOKU

A small episode at a cousin’s wedding recently reminded me why many car owners don’t truly understand the vehicles they drive, especially the drivetrain they paid extra for.

It had rained heavily. The wedding venue’s designated car park was already waterlogged and soft underfoot. I volunteered to help with parking when a lady arrived in a 2002 Toyota 4Runner, big, capable, confidence-inspiring.

She was directed to a safe spot but chose another location closer to the exit. Unknown to her, that area was badly waterlogged. The moment she tried to move again, the SUV sank. And sank some more.

What followed was painful to watch.

The wheels spun aggressively, digging deeper into the mud. The engine revved. The car went nowhere. In less than a minute, the 4Runner, an SUV designed to go where roads end, was completely beached.

It wasn’t the car’s fault.

It was a knowledge problem.

I asked her to let me help, she hesitated, then agreed. I guided her through a few simple steps:

Neutral.

Short gear lever into 4L (Four-Low).

Wait for the indicator.

Select Drive.

Gentle throttle.

Instantly, the SUV walked itself out of the mud like nothing had happened.

That moment inspired this article.

Modern drivetrains are incredibly capable, but they are completely useless if the owner doesn’t know how or when to use them. And more importantly, many people don’t even need the drivetrain they paid for in the first place.

Let’s fix that.

What Is a Drivetrain (and Why It Matters)?

Your drivetrain determines which wheels receive power from the engine. It affects:

• How your car behaves in rain
• Fuel consumption
• Maintenance costs
• Purchase price
• Driving enjoyment
• Off-road capability

Choosing the wrong one can subtract from your experience.

Choosing the right one can quietly make life easier every day.

The Main Drivetrain Types

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

The quiet hero

Power goes to the front wheels.

• Cheapest to buy
• Best fuel economy
• Lower maintenance
• Surprisingly capable in rain and light mud
• Not exciting for performance driving
• Limited for serious off-road use

Truth:

For most drivers, most of the time, FWD is all you need. It’s stable, predictable, and cost-effective, especially for city driving, highways, and daily use.

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

The enthusiast’s choice

Power goes to the rear wheels.

• Great balance and driving feel
• Best for performance and towing
• Poor traction in rain and mud
• Can be tricky for inexperienced drivers

Truth:

Amazing when pushed hard on dry roads. Below average in slippery conditions. Not ideal for rough or unpredictable terrain.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The all-weather specialist

Power goes to all wheels automatically.

• Excellent grip in rain and light off-road
• No driver input required (not idiot proof)
• Higher fuel consumption
• More expensive to buy and maintain

Truth:

AWD is fantastic for mixed conditions, but it adds cost. Great if you frequently deal with rain, gravel, or uneven roads. A common mistake I see a lot of owners do which kills their AWD drivetrains is running mismatched tires (sizes & type). Read owners manuals and stick to manufacturers specifications.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

The serious tool

Designed for rough terrain.

• Extremely capable off-road
• Perfect for mud, sand, rocks, and steep climbs
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Higher fuel and maintenance costs

Truth:

You’ll have a go-anywhere vehicle, but most owners never use 50% of its ability. If you don’t leave the road often, you’re paying for potential you may never unlock

A Simple Guide to Operating a 4WD Vehicle

(The part many owners skip)

Most 4WD vehicles have three main modes:

2H (Two-Wheel Drive – High Range)

Use for:

• Normal road driving
• City and highway use
• Best fuel economy
• Least wear and tear

4H (Four-Wheel Drive – High Range)

Use for:

• Wet roads
• Gravel
• Light mud
• Slippery surfaces
• Improved traction
• Do not use on dry tarmac unless recommended by the manufacturer

4L (Four-Wheel Drive – Low Range)

Use for:

• Deep mud
• Sand
• Steep climbs
• Towing out stuck vehicles
• Maximum torque
• Slow, controlled movement
• Never use at speed

Golden Rule:

4L is not about speed. It’s about control.

Modern Drivetrain Tech Worth Knowing

Today’s vehicles come with clever helpers that make life easier, if you know what they do:

• Torque Vectoring:Sends power to the wheel with grip
• Crawl Control:Automatically manages throttle and braking off-road – cruise control for off-roading.
• Hill Descent Control:Keeps speed in check when going downhill – controls braking automatically when you set the Speed it should descend the hill at.
• Traction Control:Prevents wheel spin

These systems work brilliantly, but they don’t replace understanding.

The Big Question: Do You Even Need It?

Before buying that rugged SUV, ask yourself:

• Do I actually go off-road?
• Do I just like the image?
• Am I willing to pay more for fuel and maintenance?
• Will I learn how to use it?

Skipping unnecessary drivetrain complexity can save you money, stress, and fuel, and still give you a better driving experience.

Final Thought

That Toyota 4Runner did exactly what it was designed to do.

The problem wasn’t the car, it was the gap between ownership and understanding.

Your drivetrain is not just a spec on a brochure.

It’s a tool.

Learn it.

Use it.

Or choose wisely and don’t pay for what you’ll never need.

Happy Motoring…

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