4WD is a great option for many different types of terrain and conditions, but there are also times when you should avoid using it. Here are four situations when you should steer clear of 4WD:
1. When the ground is too hard.
If the ground is too hard, like concrete or asphalt, 4WD can actually do more harm than good. The added power and traction from the extra wheels can cause the vehicle to dig in and get stuck.
2. When it's raining or snowing heavily.
While 4WD can help with traction in slippery conditions, it's not necessarily the best option when visibility is poor. In heavy rain or snow, it's best to stick with 2WD so you can have better control of your vehicle. Plus, you'll save on gas since 4WD uses more fuel than 2WD.
3. When you're driving on dry pavement.
There's no need to use 4WD on dry pavement since there's no risk of losing traction. In fact, using 4WD on dry roads can wear down your tires and other parts of your drivetrain faster than usual due to the extra stress placed on them by the extra wheels turning unnecessarily.. Also, keep in mind that most vehicles have a lower top speed in 4WD mode due to the added friction from the extra wheels turning.. So unless you're purposely going off-road, there's really no need to use 4WD while driving on paved surfaces..
4. When crossing deep water crossings.. If your car isn't designed for water crossings (hasn't been modified with snorkels or special seals), then attempting to cross deep water could be disastrous.. The water could enter through places like the air intake and drown out your engine, ruining it permanently.. Even if your car is designed for water crossings, it's still best to avoid using 4WD if possible since all that extra weight from the extra wheels will just slow you down and make it harder to get through safely..