Identification

• Automatic all wheel drive is defined by the front and rear axles of a vehicle being activated, or powered, at all times. Because it is automatic, a driver cannot change out of this function as they could with a 4x4 drive train.
  
  

Function

• Each wheel is equipped with a speed sensor. When the sensor reports that a wheel, or set of wheels, is rotating and slipping too fast, the engine's on-board computer sends a signal to the non-slipping wheels. This results in more friction from the non-slipping wheels against the pavement to gain control of the vehicle.
  
  

Considerations

• An automatic all wheel drive does not offer all the functions of a typical 4x4 vehicle; they are meant to stay on pavement. All wheel drive vehicles lack a transfer case, which is required for lower gear applications for severe off road applications.