FWD, RWD, and AWD and how they link to your car’s brakes
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) are the three different ways the wheels can receive power. You may have heard these terms before, but have you ever thought about the real difference they make? Read on to learn more about the difference between FWD, RWD, and AWD and how each is related to your car’s stopping power.
What is Front Wheel Drive (FWD)?
FWD is a term used to describe vehicles that are powered by their front wheels. Power comes from the engine, goes through a transaxle, and goes to the front wheels for movement. This design has become a fan favorite in more recent times because it is fuel efficient and cost effective due to its better use of space. Space is better utilized because, unlike RWD and AWD cars, FWD vehicles do not require driveshafts or a longitudinal gearbox. Plus, FWD vehicles don’t emit levels as high as CO2, so they’re better for the environment. But these vehicles are not without their drawbacks. FWD vehicles are prone to slower acceleration speed and power, and are front-end heavy, which can cause steering mishaps.
What is rear wheel drive (RWD)?
By contrast, RWD is when the vehicle’s power comes from the rear wheels. This type of drive is becoming rarer on everyday makes and models due to its demanding nature. The driving dynamics of a RWD car requires attention and participation from its drivers due to weight changes. Although power comes from the rear of the vehicle in RWD, steering is still controlled by the front wheels. The main advantages of RWD include better acceleration and handling due to better load transfer. It should also be noted that RWD vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs because the balance is stronger. However, RWD is very weather dependent. These vehicles do not perform as well in wet or snowy conditions.
What is all wheel drive (AWD)?
AWD is when a vehicle’s power comes from all four wheels. This type of traction provides optimal traction during acceleration, since all four wheels work together. There is strength in numbers in this case. This also allows cars to be more resilient in different climates, especially rainy and snowy conditions, as they skid less and allow the driver to have better overall control of the vehicle. That being said, AWD vehicles generally don’t get as much life out of their tires, the added mass is less fuel efficient, and their complex system adds to the cost of the vehicle.
How are the brakes different on FWD, RWD and AWD?
Although car brakes are always present on all four wheels of your car, due to weight differences in FWD, RWD, and AWD, braking needs can vary depending on how your car is driven. On FWD vehicles, the front brakes are generally larger due to weight transfer. In RWD, braking force depends on being in control of your vehicle. Since AWD is heavier, the braking system can slow down faster.
How to make the right decision when buying a car?
Choosing the car you want is a big decision that requires a lot of thought and research. Each car has different capabilities and driving needs. Ultimately, you need to choose the drive that works for you. Here are some suggestions:
- If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that’s easy to drive and typically requires less maintenance, choose FWD.
- If you need to tow, haul, or want better driving performance, go for RWD.
- If you want more confidence and better traction in wet and snowy conditions, AWD is the answer.
It is crucial to understand how your car drives so that you can better understand how to work in conjunction with your vehicle.
