What You Need to Know About Using 4 Wheel Drive

In terms of traction and control, having a 4-wheel drive vehicle instantly puts you at an advantage over other drivers on the road when navigating in dicey weather and terrains, like muddy rains, slippery pavements, gravel roads, off-roads, and of course, snow and ice. When you need your car to move forward with stability and control in such conditions, a 4-wheel drive vehicle will do much better than two-wheel drive since it engages all four wheels at once, providing more torque. A two-wheel drive vehicle will very likely have you off the shoulder or stuck in a ditch with snow up to your axles!

So having a 4-wheel drive vehicle is certainly a plus, but it is important to know just when and where to use it. You see, you should never drive using four-wheel drive on roads that are smooth, flat, and/or dry, because it can cause irreversible damage to the drivetrain and more.

Continue reading to learn some tips for operating your vehicle’s 4-wheel drive system, including what to do if you ever get stuck on the road without options.

24 Tow Truck 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing 317-247-8484

4-Wheel Drive Modes

There are various modes on a four-wheel drive vehicle. The precise modes will vary slightly from make and model, but most are operated using a basic, universal language. Get to know these modes and what they do, and you will know just when to use your 4-wheel drive skills! Here are the most basic four-wheel drive modes and applications:

⚙ Four-High (4H)

Four-high (4H) drive is also referred to as high-range 4-wheel drive. This mode allows you to drive at regular speeds with extra traction, making it the perfect go-to setting for highway and interstate travel during inclement weather like snow, ice, rain, sleet, hail, and more. In lower but still normal speeds, this mode is also good for gravel, packed sand, and mud.

⚙ Four-Low (4L)

Four-low (4L) drive, or low-range 4-wheel-drive, is designed for maximum traction and power. For this reason, it is a more serious and advanced mode that should only be used in conditions like deep snow, mud, and sand, or when crossing shallow bodies of water. In this mode, it is important to use low speeds (under 35 mph), otherwise you can damage the drivetrain and power control module.

⚙ Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (AWD)

One of the most admired and modern conveniences in automobiles today is automatic 4-wheel drive (AWD). This version is a “set it and forget it” mode, which allows the driver to pre-program the tires to monitor the traction in 2-wheel drive, and automatically shift into 4-wheel drive when traction is detected to be reduced. Combination road conditions, such as snow and ice, rain and mud, or any other conditions in which tires might abruptly slip, are well-navigated with AWD drive.

There are two different types of AWD. The automatic version just mentioned, also known as “part-time AWD”, and full-time AWD. Full-time AWD supplies power to all four wheels, but does not retain the degree of low-range torque that Four-Low drive (4L) delivers.

When Your 2-Wheel or 4-Wheel Drive Fails

Regardless of which mode your vehicle is equipped with, it is common to find yourself stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch on the side of the road. When this happens, contact a licensed and insured 24 hour towing company for emergency roadside assistance. They can pull you out and give you a tow to the nearest location or auto repair shop of your choice.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance Near You

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
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Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more.

Advice on How to Sell a Car When You Can’t Find the Title

You finally made the decision to sell your junk car, but now you can’t seem to locate the title? This is a typical, very common scenario experienced by car owners all across the country. Fortunately, you still have viable options when you want to sell a car but can’t find the title. Continue reading to learn the best ways to get started!

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-247-8484

Do You Want to Replace the Title?

Before you delve into the process of selling a junk car without a title, you need to first decide if you want to (or can) replace it or not. If your car title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, Indiana DMV’s will allow you to apply for a duplicate title. According to the BMV, “A person who owns a vehicle that has a certificate of title that is faulty, lost, or destroyed, or who is the possessor of an abandoned vehicle may apply to the BMV for authority to sell, give away, or dispose of the vehicle for scrap metal without applying for a certificate of title.” A duplicate title works in the same way as a standard, but it will have the word, “DUPLICATE” stamped on the front, showing that it is not the original.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Title in Indiana

To apply for a duplicate car title, simply visit your local BMV and obtain approval. To do this, first go to a local BMV branch that offers such services. A quick online search will tell you which branches will accept duplicate title applications; most do.

Next, notify the attendant that you wish to replace a lost, stolen, or faulty car title. They will provide you with all of the information and paperwork needed to get the process started. It might help to contact your branch prior to arriving, to inquire about which documents you need to bring to complete the application. Or, visit the Duplicate Title Application information page on the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

Last, you will fill out a Certificate of Authority – Disposal of a Motor Vehicle – State Form 55018, which will then need to be approved by the BMV, and then used to sell the vehicle. If you are selling your vehicle to a salvage yard, you will need this document.

Contact Zore’s Indy to Sell a Junk Car!

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Zore’s Inc. is the local Indianapolis cash for cars company to trust for getting the most out of your clunker. For over 70 years, our auto salvage yard has paid out the highest returns for junk cars in Indianapolis, Indiana. Regardless of age or condition, we will pay you cash on the spot for your junk vehicle! Call 317-247-8484 to request free estimates or information, anytime!