The ‘Need To Know’s’ About 4×4’s

Before you go out and purchase a 4×4 vehicle, there is some research to be done. You want to get the best out of the vehicle you drive with every day, so just picking one off the top of your head is not sufficient. You need to know what you want and compare that with what you are buying.

A 4×4 can be described a vehicle where all 4 wheels are driven by the engine. 2WD and FWD is based on how many of the vehicle’s wheels are turned during transmission: 2WD being that only the two rear tyres are being powered, and FWD being that the two front wheels are being powered by the engine.

4×4 vehicles are bought because of their ability to handle rough and demanding terrain efficiently. Torque is fed through from the engine to all four tyres, and therefore the vehicle has more power and control and can manage the terrain better. Now, if you are a real city slicker, driving a 4-by-4 vehicle will benefit you in no way. Unless you have a big family and you enjoy camping or 4-wheel driving over weekends. If you live on a farm or areas with rough terrains, I see no point in buying a normal light weight car, as driving the roads, combined with the dirt and dust fed through to the vehicle’s different parts, will only damage it and decrease its longevity.

Have a close look at your lifestyle before you purchase a 4-by-4 vehicle. A light weight, small, city car will cost you less than what a FWD SUV will cost you, for obvious reasons, so make sure that your budget allows a monthly instalment of the car you want before purchasing; you don’t want to enter a difficult financial situation. The features of a vehicle like a 4-by-4 will also increase your car insurance policy premium considerably, seeing that they are often used to climb up small hills, so make sure of your premium increase first. These vehicles are also used as Rally cars due to their great safety and stability features.

You do not want to pay money for something that you are not going to use to its full potential, so have a look at your area and its requirements. Save the money and buy something cheaper: you will still get the same functions and performance. For instance, you wouldn’t buy a light weight car if you live on a farm.

When purchasing any type of car, always ask about its fuel consumption: you don’t want to buy a super powerful, fast car, and then end up giving it back because you can not afford its fuel usage. Always make sure that you know the difference in cars and SUVs available before purchasing anything. Look at their monthly instalment costs, maintenance costs, insurance policy premium, the special features and abilities they have available, custom add-ons available and fuel consumption. Make sure it is the right vehicle suited to your and your environment’s needs and  try to utilize all of its features and abilities to get the most from your purchase, but most important of all, enjoy driving it!