Using all-wheel drive (AWD) on highways can be helpful in specific situations. AWD vehicles can provide better driving stability and traction in complex or adverse road conditions, such as rainy or snowy weather, muddy surfaces, or mountainous roads.
These types of vehicles are generally better equipped to handle unfavorable road conditions, improving safety and reliability. However, in normal dry and good road conditions, AWD does not necessarily offer significant advantages for high-speed driving.
Firstly, the on-demand AWD system is an intelligent drive mode that automatically switches the vehicle's drive mode based on road conditions without manual intervention. This system is well-suited for city driving, especially in slippery or snowy conditions, as it enhances vehicle stability and safety.
However, the impact of on-demand AWD is relatively limited on highways. Due to the working principle of part-time AWD, where there is no speed difference between the front and rear axles, there might be instances of mutual interference between the front and rear axles during turns, leading to unstable driving. Therefore, if you frequently drive on highways, opting for the on-demand AWD version may not be advisable.
Additionally, the on-demand AWD system automatically switches to two-wheel drive mode during highway driving to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel efficiency.
This is because the relationship between the front and rear axles in on-demand AWD, while in AWD mode, is similar to the rigid connection we had with four-wheel-drive toy cars in our childhood – a lack of differential speed between the two wheels. This lack of differential speed during turns can result in increased tire wear and the risk of vehicle instability.
