Difference Between Part-Time and Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive

It’s no secret that Jeep has one of the best 4×4 systems in the business. When people think about off-roading, one brand comes to mind, and that’s Jeep. But whether traversing rocky terrain or simply driving your daily commute on the highway, Jeep has a 4×4 or AWD system that can suit your needs.

In fact, Jeep offers both a full-time and part-time 4×4 system. What’s the difference? Let’s take a look.

A full-time 4WD system is simple. With full-time 4×4, the vehicle will operate by default in four-wheel drive mode, using a center differential to turn the front and rear driveshafts at independent speeds. 

In a part-time 4WD system, a vehicle will operate primarily as a two-wheel drive vehicle as long as conditions allow. The part-time system doesn’t have a center differential, instead operating in a way that locks either the front or rear driveshafts to deliver power where it is needed most during difficult or off-road driving conditions.

[Read more: How to hitch a fifth wheel RV trailer with your Ram]

Why You Shouldn’t Drive With Part-Time 4WD On All The Time

A full-time 4WD system will be able to adjust torque delivery to each individual wheel as necessary, meaning you can use it on any road in any condition. It is simply operating all the time.

Part-time doesn’t quite work the same way, and in fact, part-time 4×4 should not be used all of the time. If you have a Jeep with part-time 4WD, you should be able to switch between 4WD and 2WD, and it is recommended that you switch back to 2WD whenever operating the vehicle on a normal road surface in dry conditions. Using the 4WD function in such conditions when it is not necessary can cause the system to wear out prematurely and/or overheat. You may even hear a shudder that indicates something isn’t quite right, prompting you to switch back to 2WD.

When used properly, both the part-time and full-time 4×4 system from Jeep have their uses. To learn more, be sure to contact us at Rairdon’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Monroe.