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How to Test my Four-Wheel Drive

How Do I Know if My GMC Terrain's Four-Wheel Drive is Working?

When the weather gets bad and road conditions are tough, it can make driving safer and make you feel more confident if you have four-wheel drive. So, your vehicle has four-wheel drive, but you are wondering if it's working? What does four-wheel drive even mean? We'll tell you how to test your four-wheel drive!

What Does Four-Wheel Drive Do?

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are different. All-wheel drive uses all four-wheels to drive the car all the time, while four-wheel drive only puts power behind the two wheels that have the best traction while driving. All-wheel drive is a real fuel thirsty way to drive, and four-wheel drive can increase your confidence without using all your gas. So how do you know if your four-wheel drive is working the way it should? Read More: Deep Cleaning Your Vehicle Interior Tips!

Test Method One: Use a Tree

If you have a tree available, drive your GMC Acadia up so that the front end is touching the tree. There should be no gap, so that you don't do any damage to your front end. Now, hop inside and put your foot on the gas. Have someone stand outside of the car and watch the tires. As you drive into the tree, your tires will try to get traction. If all four wheels of your car are moving, your four-wheel drive is doing its job! Read More: What's New on the 2016 GMC Canyon?

Test Method Two: Lift Your Car

Either lift your car off the ground using jacks, or take your car into a service center with a hydraulic lift. You don't need your vehicle very high, just enough to get your tires off the ground. Then hit the gas while someone outside the vehicle checks to see if all the tires move. If they are all moving, your four-wheel drive should be working great. Call Our Service Center! 
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