How To Choose The Traction Of Your New Car?
How the engine power is distributed based on the behavior of the tires is a significant matter. In fact, there are many systems and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing car traction can be a complex matter.
Usually this is a transcendental question for off-road car lovers. But beyond this statement, all drivers should know the characteristics of their traction system.
This information is also quite useful when choosing a vehicle. Here we will see some important points to know a little more about this complex subject related to mechanics.
Front- wheel drive: The one we see in almost all city cars
If we have a city car, it will most likely come with a front-wheel drive system. This is fairly common, allows for a smooth ride, and is designed to grip curves in the city well.
Of course, it will not be enough to go to the field or enter the arena. Both the front and rear traction are insufficient when we leave the pavement and the controlled conditions of urban areas. So if we want more grip we must definitely think of another alternative.
Therefore, today we have a much more complete option which is all- wheel drive. This is much more balanced, strong and precise, although everything will depend on the routes and what we do with our car.
All-wheel drive and center differential
These mechanisms efficiently distribute engine power to all the wheels of a vehicle. And we say “these” because there are many AWD mechanisms on the market today.
In fact, there wheel drive, the plug, and the Torsen Haldex, the viscous coupling, etc. systems. Added to this, electronic differentials, operated by buttons, are already becoming very popular. Depending on the ground where we drive, we can choose the suitable type of traction.
Furthermore, within these total mechanisms it is important to determine whether or not they have a central differential. We even have 4 × 4 vehicles that do not have this component, maintaining independent systems on front and rear wheels.
Some all-wheel drive systems
The Torsen system is one of the novelties on the market, one of the most efficient by far. If the car loses grip, more force is sent to the axle that has a better grip during the maneuver. The consequence can also be that the vehicle uses a lot of fuel and energy resources. Therefore, brands use it less and less.
A system that is much more widely used is the Haldex mechanism. Its configuration provides 90% grip on the front wheels and 10% on the rear. When there is a loss of grip, additional force is generated to compensate. This alternative has another positive point: it is relatively inexpensive.
Very similar to the Haldex is the viscous coupling system, but its operation promotes uneven tire wear. Choosing this type of traction will force us to change the tires every 10,000 kilometers, approximately.
Electronic differentials
We could say that these devices are the future of SUV traction. We refer to systems that can be controlled by the driver from a keypad. In this way, we can choose how the traction is distributed according to the terrain on which we maneuver.
The fact that it is used by sports utility car manufacturers is a testament to its versatility. Remember that this type of car is adapted to the city and vacation outings. At least that’s what those kinds of products are after.
So far, most electronic differentials have four grip modes : for driving on gravel, asphalt, snow, and auto.
It is advisable to choose all-wheel drive
Choosing the safest car traction is opting for total. Its different variants have greater grip than those used in the front, or on the rear wheels. It also allows us to get off the road with greater guarantees.
Of course, these mechanisms are the most expensive on the market. But on second thought, this is a worthwhile investment and adds value to any car. In the event that we are not going to leave the city, the front grip is at least the most generic option.
