# All-wheel drive

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/2072>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 22, 2007, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/2072 "2007-07-22T21:30:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ironhip4ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/278dde/32.png) [@ironhip4ever](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ironhip4ever)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2007, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/2072/1 "2007-07-22T21:30:44Z")

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would someone out there please explain the difference between all-wheel, full time all-wheel drive and AWD.  
  
 Thanks

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**Author:** ![lprocter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/lprocter/32/40_2.png) [@lprocter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lprocter)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2007, 10:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/2072/2 "2007-07-22T22:12:59Z")

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All-wheel drive (aka AWD or full time 4 wheel drive) means all four wheels are powered all the time, and power distribution is controlled automatically. Four wheel drive (aka 4WD, or part time all-wheel drive) means only the front (or rear, depending on vehicle setup) wheels are powered only, unless the driver manually engages the other pair of wheels.  
Also, AWD vehicles can be driven on all surfaces, any time. 4WD vehicles can only have all four wheels engaged on surfaces with reduced traction, such as on snow, ice, or dirt roads. Driving these part time 4WD vehicles on dry pavement can damage the drivetrain.

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**Author:** ![ironhip4ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/278dde/32.png) [@ironhip4ever](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ironhip4ever)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2007, 11:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/2072/3 "2007-07-22T23:43:09Z")

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Thanks for that information.