If you're thinking about investing in a 4WD, you might want to spend some time thinking about the transmission. To ensure you avoid issues or breakdowns with the transmission of a 4WD, there are some special points to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know.

Find Out How Your Vehicle Handles Power Transmission

Ideally, even before you buy your 4WD, you should take some time to figure out how its transmission works. There are a few different options with these types of cars, and you need to ensure that you understand how yours works so that you can take care of it.

For instance, some 4WD vehicles have a center differential that detects when the wheels are moving at different speeds and then transfers torque from one set to the other as needed. Other 4WDs have a transfer case which allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD.

If the vehicle runs exclusively in 4WD, you need to make sure that running it on paved city roads and highways isn't going to damage the drive train which connects the transmission to the axles. On the other hand, if you can switch from 2WD to 4WD, you also want to ensure that process is easy and intuitive. On top of that, you want a mechanic who has experience with your type of system.

Make Sure Your Car Is Built to Handle the Driving Conditions

Originally, 4WD vehicles were designed for rugged adventures in the great outdoors, but now more and more manufacturers are making these vehicles. Many of the new models have 4WD, but they don't necessarily have the other features you need for off-roading.

For instance, the tyres might not be strong enough for those conditions, or the vehicle's underside may be too low for a very rocky environment. Unfortunately, if you get in a situation where the undercarriage of your vehicle gets damaged, that damage may extend to the transmission as well. Ideally, you should make sure your vehicle has all the elements you need before you take it off-roading.

Change the Fluids More Frequently

Regardless of where you take your 4WD, the fact remains that these vehicles often work harder than their front- or rear-wheel drive counterparts. Even if you don't go off-roading, 4WD vehicles have to carry a lot more weight than most other vehicles, and that alone causes them to work harder.

To protect your vehicle, you need to take it in for fluid changes more often, and that applies to both the transmission fluid and the oil. Your mechanic can tell you how often you should come in based on your vehicle and how you use it, but to ensure that you get the best information, you should work with someone who is experienced with 4-wheel-drive transmissions in particular. To learn more, contact a specialist today.