Driving 4x4 in the highway?

[smakdatt]

Hi.

I have never owned a 4x4 suv before and this is my first 4x4 4runner with a 4x4 High and Low knob.

This might be a stupid question but i don't know much about cars but is it true that it is bad to drive 4x4 on the highway? I have a 2 friends that said so but they can't really explain why.

If it is indeed bad to drive 4x4 on the highway, then what is the purpose of a 4x4 high and low knob?

Thanks.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Using 4wheel drive on a dry, straight highway isn't necessarily bad but it may affect your mpg. Using either mode on dry concrete or pavement while turning sharp is not recommended and is stressful on the drivetrain. If the surface is icy or snowy then there is no concern as the tires will slip instead of bind. 4low is only really needed in extreme off-road conditions where you need to go slow.

 

[3wbdriver]

Four-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel-Drive: Everything You Need to Know

 

[Bpogue]

Congrats on your new car! There's a bunch of threads on here that have all kinds of info about 4 wheel drive. Here's one.. Also, take a peek at this too. Lastly, peruse your owners manual, it has some info too.

You're probably about to get a few posts from senior members that you should have looked all this up on your own prior to posting. Chalk it up as a learning experience, they mostly mean well.

 

[jasonv]

in the highway: no
on the highway: yes

 

[rigtec]

"...This might be a stupid question but i don't know much about cars but is it true that it is bad to drive 4x4 on the highway? I have a 2 friends that said so but they can't really explain why..."

Hi smakdatt,

Your two friends may be confusing the fact that you should 'never tow' a 4x4 vehicle at highway speeds; due to the damage that may result from pulling a vehicle with the transfer case engaged vs you should 'never drive' a 4-wheel drive vehicle on the highway, which is not true at all, but merely based on myth!

cheers!

 

[Bossman]

Hey [MENTION=141745]smakdatt[/MENTION]

Here is a link to an informative YouTube video that explains the differences in the Toyota 4WD (and AWD) systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6-gCxI60g

It also explains the difference between full-time 4WD and part-time 4WD systems that are found on our 4Runners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4ojl8t92oA