4 Common Problems of 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles

If you are fortunate enough to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, then you are well aware of just how handy this feature can be. It can really help make driving off-road fun and accessible again. You will also notice that you are able to go uphill easier and also tow a trailer with ease when doing so. These are just a few of the many advantages that you will realize when using the 4 wheel drive feature on your vehicle. At the same time, you will want to be aware of some of the more common problems associated with 4 wheel drive vehicles and how they can impact performance.

The Mode Becomes Stuck

This is a particularly common problem in older vehicles that have a 4 wheel drive feature. When you switch modes, the indicator can become stuck. When this happens, you will be made aware of it because the indicator light will start to blink and not go off. You can often solve this by stopping the vehicle (safely of course) and then starting it up again. If you can’t get the gear unstuck, then you need to see a mechanic.

The Shift Fork Becomes Damaged

If you are wondering what the shift fork is responsible for, it is designed to move your vehicle between 4 wheel drive and its normal drive mode. In other words, it is quite important. Gearbox repairs are common with 4 wheel drive vehicles, so do not hesitate to contact a mechanic if you begin to notice some slippage when shifting between modes.

Issues with the Chassis

By their very nature, 4 wheel drive vehicles take quite a beating. This probably has something to do with all of the off-road driving that you do. While it is fun, your chassis takes quite a beating as well. If it becomes cracked, rust can begin to become an issue. You want to get this corrected soon in order to avoid future problems.

Suspension Related Problems

In a similar fashion, the suspension on a 4 wheel drive vehicle tends to wear down more quickly than other types of vehicles. You need to have the parts inspected regularly. If anything is worn or damaged, it should be promptly replaced.

These four problems are quite common when dealing with 4 wheel drive vehicles. While they might not be serious at first, they do need to be dealt with in order to ensure safe operation of the vehicle moving forward. If you are encountering any of these issues with your own 4 wheel drive vehicle, then you will want to have a trained mechanic take a look at it right away.