4Matic: definition, features, and operating principle
4Matic is an all-wheel drive system installed on Mercedes-Benz cars. It is a proprietary development of Daimler AG. It was created in collaboration with the Austrian company Magna Steyr …
Glossary
What is 4×4? Features and technical specifications
4×4 is a general term for a four-wheel-drive system on vehicles with two axles. It is used specifically to indicate four-wheel-drive versions of Jeep cars. It means that the …
xDrive: description, features, and operating principle
xDrive is a proprietary all-wheel drive system which has been installed on BMW cars since 2003. For most models it is available as an option or as standard. It …
What is All-Trac? Features and technical specifications
All-Trac is a full-time AWD system that was installed on some Toyota cars between 1988 and 2000. It was developed by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation in …
What is 4WD? Description and operating principle
4WD is a term used by most car manufacturers to describe four-wheel-drive systems. The terms AWD and 4×4 are also used. In 4WD cars, the engine torque can be …
4×4 Allgrip: definition, features, and operating principle
4×4 Allgrip is an intelligent four-wheel drive system equipped on Suzuki cars. It first appeared on the Vitara model in 1988. The system controls the engine, drivetrain, and ESP. …
What is 4Drive? Features and technical specifications
4Drive is a full-time four-wheel drive system developed for Seat cars. It prevents even minimal wheel slippage in difficult road conditions. The system increases the vehicle’s stability and ensures …
Toyota A-TRAC: what it is, functions, operating principles, and causes of failure
A-TRAC is an active traction control system that has been installed on some 4WD Toyota cars. It improves the traction of the vehicle when driving off-road and helps to …
CST: description, features, and operating principle
CST (traction and stability control) is a stability control system used on Ferrari cars. It optimises the operation of the anti-skid and traction control systems, ABS, and the brake …
What is S-AWC? Features and technical specifications
S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is a proprietary vehicle dynamics control system that has been installed on Mitsubishi AWD cars. It has been used since 2007. The system controls …
MSP: definition, function, operating principle, and causes of failure
MSP (Maserati Stability Program) is an electronic stability control system installed on Maserati cars. It stabilises the car body when manoeuvring and driving on slippery roads. How MSP works …
Car light guide: types of lights and when to use them
How much do you really know about the lights on your car? If you don’t know much, don’t panic! This guide is here to help. Car lights are not …
What is E10 petrol? Will it affect you?
This month, the UK government introduced a cleaner blend of fuel known as E10 petrol as the new standard petrol with the aim of reducing the nation’s carbon dioxide …
What is SI-Drive? Description and operating principle
SI-Drive is an intelligent engine and transmission control system that has been installed on Subaru cars. It allows the performance of important car units to be adapted to road …
What is ALL4? Features and technical specifications
ALL4 is a full-time all-wheel drive system used in MINI cars. It improves traction, as well as the vehicle’s stability and handling in any weather and road conditions. How …
What is SH-AWD? Description and operating principle
SH-AWD is an active all-wheel drive system that has been installed on Acura and Honda cars since 2004. It works together with traction control, stability control, and other systems. …
SAWD: description, features, and operating principle
Symmetrical AWD or SAWD is an all-wheel-drive system in Subaru cars that has been used since 2003. It is installed on all models of the make, except BRZ and …
What is Q4? Features and technical specifications
Q4 is an all-wheel drive system which has been installed on Alfa Romeo cars since 1994. It improves the vehicle’s dynamics and off-road capabilities. It also increases its stability …
AFS: definition, function, operating principle, and causes of failure
AFS (Active Front Steering) is an active steering control system which has been installed on Cadillac and BMW cars. It debuted in 2003. The system controls the steering ratio, …
What is PSM? Description and operating principle
PSM (Porsche Stability Management) is a stability control system which has been installed on Porsche cars since 1998. Initially, it was offered as an option. Since 2003 it has …