8 All-Wheel-Drive Myths Busted

Having AWD isn't quite the gas-guzzling, high-maintenance experience of certain tall tales.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Sep 6, 2024 | 5 min read

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All-wheel drive (AWD), which generally offers extra traction, has become a bit of a myth magnet. There are a number of misconceptions about what AWD can and can't do for you as a driver and how it might affect your ownership experience.

Here's a look at some of the most common AWD myths.

Myth: AWD Helps You Stop Faster

Engine braking — which uses the compression of an internal-combustion engine to help stop a vehicle — can be an effective way to slow down, especially when shifting into a lower gear. The idea that having an extra set of drive wheels somehow aids this process, however, doesn't hold up. In fact, the extra weight of an all-wheel-drive system might mean it takes longer to stop a vehicle compared with a two-wheel-drive version of the same model, due to the AWD vehicle's additional momentum.

Myth: AWD Means You Don't Need Winter Tires

There's no question that all-wheel drive helps improve grip in slippery conditions. This additional traction manifests itself primarily when accelerating from a stop but likely will not extend to cornering.

When the temperature drops, or if there is snow and ice on the road, all-wheel drive is not a substitute for a proper set of winter or snow tires that are designed to operate in these kinds of harsh conditions. Deciding to go with all-season tires instead of winter tires because your automobile features all-wheel drive can mean longer stopping distances and reduced handling during the chilliest of seasons.

Myth: AWD Is for Off-Road Use Only

All-wheel drive is often presented as a technology designed to handle rough conditions, such as rocky trails, sandy beaches, or muddy fields. While this is certainly an aspect of marketing a sport-utility vehicle or pickup truck, all-wheel drive's uses extend beyond leaving the pavement behind.

When matched with the right set of tires, it can add an extra dimension to winter driving. When programmed for performance, it can help balance power output while cornering. It can also improve acceleration by adding traction and grip for high-horsepower vehicles.

Myth: AWD Means Never Getting Stuck

Until telekinesis is invented, drivers will find ways to get even the most capable vehicle stuck. All-wheel-drive-equipped cars, trucks, and SUVs are no exception.

All-wheel drive, while certainly a traction booster, won't prevent you in every single case from being bogged down in snow, mud, sand, or other conditions that can restrict an automobile's motion.

As with any other type of drivetrain, you need to pay attention to where and how you are driving to avoid getting stuck.

Myth: AWD Is Always On

There are many different all-wheel-drive systems out there, and it's a mistake to assume that they all operate the same way. In particular, it's important to be aware that some AWD setups only kick in when traction loss is detected.

Sometimes called "slip and grip," such all-wheel-drive setups power an automobile's front wheels at all times while only engaging the rear wheels should the vehicle's sensors detect wheel spin. These designs are more common with hybrid vehicles that tag in an electric motor at the rear axle to provide additional traction when necessary or when driving below a certain speed. Sometimes, the all-wheel-drive system can turn off completely at highway speeds.

Myth: AWD Guzzles Gas

This one is a little more complicated. As mentioned, all-wheel-drive vehicles tend to weigh more than their two-wheel-drive equivalents, due to the presence of the extra equipment. Turning an additional set of wheels can also drag on the drivetrain and use more fuel.

Modern engineering has found several ways around these issues, which means not all AWD models get significantly worse fuel mileage than their front-wheel- or rear-wheel-drive counterparts. Systems that disconnect the extra set of drive wheels are helpful.

Also helpful are all-wheel-drive systems that make use of electric motors to improve their overall fuel economy and stay competitive with two-wheel-drive rivals.

Myth: AWD Helps With Towing

It might seem counterintuitive, but all-wheel-drive systems can actually reduce a vehicle's tow rating compared with a two-wheel-drive model.

That's because towing capacity is linked to an automobile's gross vehicle weight rating, which is the total carrying capacity of its platform. Deducting the weight of the vehicle from this number tells you how much capacity remains for towing or hauling. All-wheel drive adds to the mass of a vehicle, so it subtracts from overall towing capacity.

Since all-wheel drive does add traction in a straight line, it can be useful if you are regularly towing up a slippery boat ramp or dealing with off-road conditions while camping. That being said, this extra grip is linked to the driving conditions rather than the act of towing itself.

Myth: AWD Is a Maintenance Nightmare

All-wheel-drive vehicles will require a small amount of extra maintenance compared with a two-wheel-drive vehicle due to the added complexity of their drivetrains.

For example, with four drive wheels instead of two, it's important for each tire to show the same level of wear, as unevenly worn tires can cause damage to all-wheel-drive components on some models. This means a flat tire may require replacing both tires on that axle or even all four tires instead of just one for a two-wheel-drive vehicle (although there are more affordable alternatives).

Regular maintenance for all-wheel-drive vehicles typically also includes fluid changes for the transfer case or differentials.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.