What Does It Mean To Own An All-Wheel-Drive

We have heard of all-wheel-drive or AWD, but what does that mean? And how does it differentiate from four-wheel driver or two-wheel drive? Here are some definitions.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - A full-time single-speed system designed to supply drive power to all four wheels. The percentage of front/rear power delivery varies from system to system.

4 x 4 (4WD) - Describes a vehicle with four-wheel drive. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With most four-wheel drives the driver is able to typically switch (sometimes with an automatic option) between two-wheel drive mode (if available) for streets and four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, snow, slippery surfaces, or loose gravel.

4 x 2 (2WD) - Refers to a two-wheel drive vehicle with four wheels. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With a 4x2, engine power is transmitted to only two wheels, usually the rear.

Part-Time 4WD - Refers to a four-wheel drive system that operates on-demand and drives all four wheels by locking front and rear axles together via a shift lever. It usually includes two speed ranges (Hi and Lo). Part-time 4WD systems must be operated in 2WD mode on dry pavement, as they're designed to be used only in specific situations when extra traction is required.

Full-Time 4WD - Describes a four-wheel-drive system that can be operated continuously on all surfaces. A full-time four-wheel-drive system may include the option of part-time operation (allowing you to shift into 2WD on dry pavement for example), and may or may not have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (A4WD) - This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD as needed. When internal monitors sense differences in individual wheel speeds, indicating that a tire is slipping, then 4WD is automatically engaged.

Shift on the Fly - This type of system allows manual shifting from 2WD to 4WD Hi without coming to a stop. Most systems have a speed limit at which you can engage the system; typically it's under 60 mph.


All Wheel Drive vehicles are often described as "full time" 4WD that may be used on dry pavement without damaging the differentials, although the term may be abused when marketing a vehicle. AWD can be used on dry pavement because it employs a center differential, which allows each axle to rotate at a different speed. ("Full-Time" 4WD can be disengaged and the center differential can be locked, essentially turning it into regular 4WD). On the other hand, AWD cannot be disengaged and differentials cannot be locked. Another common assumption is that 4x4 means all four wheels are driven at the same time. However, this isn't necessarily true. When a vehicle negotiates a bend, the differential in the axle compensates for the fact that the outside wheel travels further than the inside one does. Thus, it allows a speed differential to exist between the two wheels.

Being a mechanical device, the differential abides by the laws of physics, which state that energy always takes the easiest route. So, if one wheel is on a slippery surface (like ice) then all the energy will be sent to that wheel and away from the wheel with traction. The end result is that you lose all forward motion. When four-wheel drive mode is engaged, the front and rear axles are locked together, so at least one wheel on each axle can be driven by the engine effectively.

You can force a 4x2 vehicle to act similar to a 4x4 on occasion by gently pressing the brake pedal to slow down the wheel that's spinning and transfer energy to the wheel with traction.

Cars known for their impressive All Wheel Drive are numerous. A few include the Subaru Impreza, Ford V6 SE, Acura RL, Toyota Sienna LE, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Ford Edge, Acura MDX and the Audi TSS.

Your driving needs and talking with your car dealer can help you determine which vehicle is best for you.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

What To Do If In A Car Accident

From fender benders to major crashes, an accident can leave one shocked and perplexed. So what does one do if they are in a car accident? Do you leave your car in the middle of the road for insurance purposes or move it? People are often in shock when an accident happens and forget to take the necessary steps needed. So if you are in an accident, here are some steps to follow:

1. Stop - Failure to stop after an accident is a felony if someone is injured, if nobody is injured, it is still a misdemeanor. Of course if somebody is hurt, immediately call 911 and report the accident and leave your vehicles where they are — even if they're blocking traffic. Practice caution though, be cognizant of approaching vehicles, as well as your own vehicle. Why leave your vehicle in its place? Law enforcement may need to inspect evidence about the crash for their investigation. By leaving your vehicle where it is — even if it snags traffic — law enforcement officers can try to gauge what happened, as well as determine who might be at fault for the accident. Circumstances, speed and point of impact can all be determined from the evidence at the scene of the accident.

2. Practice Safety - If you're involved in a minor fender bender, such as another car rear-ending you or a car that changes lanes and runs into you, it's probably best to move your cars out of traffic after verifying no one is hurt. Many states have signs along major highways that advise you to move your car off the road after a minor accident. Once you move your car off the road, continue practicing safety. For instance, if possible, park your car in an area that is easily visible to oncoming cars so you they won't hit you. If you stay in your car, keep your seat belt on at all times. If you get out of your car, try to exit it on the opposite side of passing traffic, even if that means crawling to the passenger side of the car. When standing outside to exchange information or look at the damage, do not stand in front of your car and do not stand with your back to the traffic.

Remember to try to stay as visible as possible. If you have flares, set them and stand as far from your vehicle and passing vehicles as you can. Remember to keep your distance, even after law enforcement or other help arrives. Other drivers may not be paying attention, which still makes the situation dangerous for you.

If your vehicle can't be moved, keep your seat belt on if you remain in the car, or exit the car when no other vehicles are coming up behind you. At all times, be aware of your surroundings, and remember that help will arrive, so stay calm and don't panic. 

3. Cooperate With The Police - Insist that a police accident report is made when the police arrive; cooperate with the police but do not make admissions or give opinions. If there are any witnesses on your behalf, get their name, address, telephone number and ask them to give a statement to the police officer.  If another vehicle is involved, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, vehicle registration number and insurance company, and give him or her your corresponding information. Also get the name and address of all other drivers and registered owners of all other vehicles involved in the accident along with license plate numbers, and the state of registration for all other vehicles involved in the accident.  Examine the driver’s license to see if there are any restrictions, which weren’t being followed (such as wearing eyeglasses, for example). If the vehicle is registered to someone else, get that person’s name and address as well. Also, be sure to get the names and badge numbers of the police offices who arrive at the scene. Get a police accident report number when the police officer finishes writing the report.

If you suspect that the other driver has been drinking, insist that you both take a sobriety or breath test. Write down your recollection of how the accident transpired, including your own traveling speed. Include the time of day, weather conditions, and any hazardous circumstances (such as blind spots). Describe the area, noting exactly where the accident took place. Do this while you’re still at the scene and your impressions are fresh.

Don’t sign anything unless required to do so by the police. Don’t admit guilt or even shared guilt. Don’t say that your insurance will cover everything, or mention how much coverage that you have. Ask the police whether you should report the accident yourself, and if so, how and where. You may need to do so if the accident occurred on private property.

4. Call your insurance agent - Let your agent know exactly what happened, along with any evidence that you have. Do not rely on the other person’s promise to pay. Report even small accidents if someone was hurt; the injury could turn out to be more serious than it first appeared. You could risk losing your coverage if you don’t.

5. Keep Track of Expenses - Be sure to keep good records of all expenses associated with the accident, such as lost paychecks or the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired. In a no-fault state, your insurance company may pick up that tab. In a fault state, the other driver’s insurance company should reimburse you if the accident was his or her fault.
Following these simple steps may save you a lot of time and expense down the road.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

A DUI And Its Implications

There are often questions about what you can and can't do when driving under the influence. For instance, how many people know that not only the act of operating a vehicle is illegal under the influence but also a bicycle, boat, airplane, wheelchair, tractor and even a horse?

Why has DUI, DWI or even OWI's become a serious offense? According to statistics, alcohol is estimated to play a huge role in vehicle related deaths. It is estimated that at least 39 percent of vehicle-related deaths are due to somebody being under the influence. With these numbers, not to mention the financial costs, most countries are cracking down on anyone convicted of injuring or killing someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Laws vary within the United States from state to state, regarding sentencing. Each state are the same in that each prohibit driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above.

In most states if you are convicted of drunk driving, you will be taken to jail, fined and you may have your license suspended or revoked. It is also possible that your license may be taken if you fail or refuse to take a breath or chemical test. In some states this is called an administrative license suspension that usually falls under the state's implied consent law.

There are also states that allow convicted drunk drivers to drive only if their automobile has had an Ignition Interlock Device installed. This device analyzes a driver’s breath and could disable the ignition if the driver has been drinking. In some states, multiple offenders also face the possibility of having their vehicle seized and auctioned off by the state.

How is one determined to be a driver under the influence? Historically, guilt was established by observed driving symptoms, such as weaving or a police officer administering a field sobriety test that includes walking in a straight line heel-to-toe or standing on one leg for 30 seconds. The US Department of Transportation explains the Field Sobriety Test as, "a battery of three tests administered and evaluated in a standardized manner to obtain validated indicators of impairment and establish probable cause for arrest."

With the advent of a scientific test for blood alcohol content (BAC), motorists are subjected to the test. BAC is most conveniently measured as a simple percent of alcohol in the blood by weight. A person's blood alcohol content is not the only thing that can determine a person's sobriety. A driver having a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading somewhat lower than 0.08 %, but who also shows signs of impairment can be charged with a DUI. The “legal limit” is simply the number above which a driver is automatically guilty of driving under the influence (or some related statute) without any other evidence. However, many states also allow for DUI charges and conviction when a driver has a slightly lower BAC reading but also fails field sobriety tests, drives erratically, or otherwise shows signs of being impaired.

Other ways to get yourself in trouble with driving and alcohol is to have an open container in your vehicle. In many states, it is illegal to have an empty container, even if it is hidden away in a glove box or trunk.

Driving while under the influence is not only dangerous to yourself and others but can land you in jail or a time without your license and vehicle, not to mention a hefty legal fee. Next time you are out having fun, you have to ask yourself if it is worth it.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.