How do I tell if my car is AWD or 4WD?

Four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) each have their strengths, and the right choice really comes down to your specific needs. 4WD is typically built for off-roading or rough terrain, with features like a transfer case and differential locks. You can manually switch between 2WD and 4WD modes, making it great for mud, sand, and other tricky landscapes—though it tends to guzzle more gas and feel a bit clunky for daily driving. AWD, on the other hand, focuses more on on-road performance. It uses electronic systems to automatically shift power around, boosting stability on wet roads or through corners. It’s a solid pick for city driving or occasional light off-roading, with better fuel economy and easier operation. If you’re regularly tackling rough trails or need serious mud-slinging capability, 4WD is the more reliable bet. But if you prioritize everyday comfort and safety, AWD will suit you better. It’s worth noting that some modern AWD systems have stepped up their off-road game with tech upgrades, while 4WD models are adding electronic assists to improve on-road manners—so the lines between them are getting blurrier. My advice? Weigh your actual driving scenarios and budget, and pay attention to details like torque distribution logic and electronic aids—those little things make a big difference in how the vehicle actually drives.

On most regular passenger cars, the handbrake (parking brake) typically only locks the rear wheels. This is achieved through a steel cable or electronic system that applies braking force to the rear brake calipers or drum brakes, while the front wheels remain unaffected. This design meets everyday parking needs while simplifying the structure and reducing costs. However, some high-performance or luxury models come with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which may link the four-wheel brakes via an electronic control unit, though this isn't common. It's important to note that the primary role of the handbrake is to prevent the vehicle from rolling when stationary, not to slow it down while driving. In emergencies, you should prioritize using the footbrake, as it distributes braking force to all wheels and is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, pulling the handbrake too tight on a slope for extended periods can cause the steel cable to stretch or the brake pads to stick. It's recommended to engage a gear (reverse for manual transmissions, P for automatics) when parking on steep hills to reduce the load on the handbrake. If the vehicle has an electronic handbrake, most will activate automatically when the engine is turned off or when the P gear is engaged, and some models also feature an Auto Hold function that automatically maintains braking force when stopping temporarily.

The 30/30/30 rule is a handy way for drivers to figure out when it's time to replace their brake pads. It means you should start thinking about replacing them when the pad thickness wears down to 3 millimeters, after 30,000 kilometers of driving, or once they've been on the car for 3 years. If any of these three conditions are met, it's a good idea to get them checked out or replaced. Brake pads are a crucial part of your braking system, and how worn they are directly affects how well your brakes work. Now, the actual replacement interval can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and the type of vehicle. For example, cars that spend a lot of time in stop-and-go city traffic or on mountain roads might need new pads more often, while those driven gently and mostly on highways could go a bit longer. But the 30/30/30 rule gives you an easy-to-remember baseline. During regular maintenance, you can check the wear by looking at the brake pad thickness indicator grooves or listening for a sharp metallic squeal when braking. Regular brake system checks not only keep you safe but also help avoid more costly repairs if worn pads damage the brake rotors. Getting into good braking habits, like avoiding hard stops and using engine braking wisely, can also help your brake pads last longer.

The last mass-produced car still fitted with drum brakes was the 2021 Dacia Sandero; its base trim for the European market kept drum brakes on the rear wheels, mainly as a cost-saving measure and to simplify maintenance. While drum brakes can't match disc brakes in stopping power or heat dissipation, their simple, durable construction and low repair costs mean they're still used on some budget models. In fact, many entry-level cars like the Perodua Axia had rear drum brakes in their early generations too, only gradually upgrading to four-wheel disc brakes in recent years. As technology has advanced, drum brakes now mostly show up on the rear wheels of commercial vehicles or economy cars, while performance and luxury vehicles have fully switched to disc brake setups. For everyday city driving, properly tuned drum brakes are more than capable of meeting safety needs, but disc brakes handle heat fade better during frequent mountain driving or high-speed use. Consumers don't need to overthink brake types—any reputable manufacturer's braking system has to pass strict safety certifications, and regular maintenance is the real key to keeping your brakes performing at their best.

Most modern cars come with a four-wheel braking system, meaning both the front and rear wheels have brake components—this is a basic design standard for safety and handling. Passenger cars generally use front disc brakes paired with rear drum brakes or four-wheel disc brakes, while high-performance models might even feature ventilated discs or ceramic brake systems to boost heat dissipation. The front wheels usually handle around 70% of the braking force because when you hit the brakes, the vehicle's weight shifts forward, requiring the front wheels to provide stronger stopping power, while the rear brakes mainly help stabilize the car. In recent years, electronic braking systems like ABS and EBD have become standard; they automatically distribute braking force across all four wheels to prevent skidding, which is especially crucial on wet or slippery roads. It's worth noting that some older models or budget cars might still use rear drum brakes, but this doesn't compromise basic braking effectiveness—it just means they're a bit less efficient at heat dissipation and slightly less convenient to maintain compared to disc brakes. During maintenance, it's a good idea to regularly check brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition. Vehicles driven in mountainous areas or often carrying heavy loads should pay extra attention to brake system upkeep, as this is vital for driving safety.