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The all-wheel drive (AWD) lock in a vehicle is a button that can be turned on or off to activate or deactivate the all-wheel-drive systems. This button is normally found in the center of your vehicle’s dashboard.

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What Is the AWD Lock?

The AWD lock, meaning the “all-wheel drive lock”, is a button available in some vehicles with an AWD system. It can be toggled on and off to activate or deactivate all-wheel drive.

Activating the AWD lock means that power will be evenly split amongst all four wheels of your vehicle.

While leaving AWD on means your vehicle will automatically determine which wheels to power, leaving the lock on means all wheels get an equal amount of power. This is particularly useful when driving off-road, in adverse weather conditions, or in terrain where one or more wheels could slip.

When to Use the AWD Lock

A vehicle with the ability to evenly allocate power to both the front and rear wheels is best suited for difficult driving conditions. Even though the AWD lock isn’t available in every vehicle with an AWD system, having one gives drivers more freedom with their vehicles on the road.

Because of this, the AWD lock should be used when the vehicle is driven in rough and bumpy terrain. AWD locks become extra valuable when it’s time to drive over uneven spaces at low speeds. For example, driving off-road would be almost impossible with AWD active.

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The AWD lock should be used when the vehicle is driven in rough and bumpy terrain. Image credit: Toyota USA Newsroom.

However, if the power is distributed in a 50/50 split between the front and rear wheels, drivers would be able to navigate their way through even the bumpiest roads without too much difficulty.

Can You Drive With the AWD Lock Off?

If you’re worried that you won’t be able to drive while the AWD lock is off, don’t be. You can still drive with the AWD lock off because your vehicle will automatically activate its all-wheel-drive system.

You’ll still be able to drive around normally. The only difference is your vehicle will automatically determine how much power to allocate to the wheels instead of having a perfect 50/50 split.

This could be ideal for drivers who want to worry about fewer things on the road — especially since the vehicle’s system will decide how much power each set of wheels will get.

How to Turn off the AWD Lock

AWD vs 4WD: What’s the Difference?

All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles both use specialized systems that allocate power between the wheels. Despite their similarities, there are clear distinctions between the two.

What Is AWD?

AWD, or all-wheel drive, refers to vehicles with systems that can automatically determine when they should drive all four wheels. AWD systems accomplish this by deciding which wheels receive the most amount of power. These systems can even remove power from a set of wheels entirely.

Because AWD vehicles are capable of balancing fuel economy and traction by themselves, drivers can shift their focus to the road. AWD vehicles generally work best on smooth, paved roads.

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What Is 4WD?

On the other hand, four-wheel drive (4WD) refers to vehicles that link the front and rear wheels together. This means that power is split amongst all four of the vehicle’s wheels. Because of this, the wheels are far sturdier and can function well even in extreme conditions.

Unlike AWD vehicles, 4WD vehicles excel at driving off-road and towing heavy objects. Because of this, 4WD is often found in larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks.

Strengths and Weaknesses of AWD Vehicles

The all-wheel drive lock exists to allow drivers to toggle the system on and off. This means driving with the AWD system on at all times isn’t always the best idea.

As useful as AWD vehicles are, they aren’t perfect. The benefits these vehicles offer do not come without drawbacks.

AWD Vehicle Strengths

Powerful Traction

Vehicles with the AWD system active generally have tremendous traction. This is because all the wheels are powered and moving. If one wheel slips, the others will compensate by keeping the vehicle moving and balanced.

This is especially true when driving in slippery conditions. Vehicles without AWD could easily lose traction and skid. Because every wheel is constantly powered, AWD vehicles are less likely to stray to the side or spin out of control.

Good Acceleration

Because power is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels, AWD vehicles have an easier time accelerating on slippery surfaces. This includes roads covered in snow, ice, mud, or water.

When all the wheels are powered, traction improves, making acceleration easier and more effective.

Because power is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels, AWD vehicles have an easier time accelerating on slippery surfaces. Image credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom.

Resale Value

AWD vehicles are generally expensive. Because of this, they tend to have very high resale prices compared to vehicles without them. Demand for AWD vehicles is also high, which means you might have an easier time finding a buyer. You can expect a hefty sum for selling an AWD vehicle you don’t want to use anymore.

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Fully Automated System

The AWD system is completely automated, meaning you won’t have to worry about providing input or instructions for your vehicle. The system is controlled by a smart computer that allocates how much power each wheel should get.

In other words, your vehicle will automatically adapt to its surroundings. This means you can focus solely on the road while you drive as your vehicle makes all sorts of adjustments on its own.

AWD Vehicle Weaknesses

Expensive to Buy and Maintain

If you’re looking to buy an AWD vehicle, be sure to save up first. If you were to compare the prices between the same vehicle with two different models (one AWD and one without), you can expect to see price ranges with four-digit differences.

Less Fuel Mileage

Generally speaking, AWD vehicles tend to be on the heavier side. Because of this, the engine of an AWD vehicle must burn more fuel to deliver more power to the wheels. In other words, these vehicles have low fuel efficiency. You might need to spend more money on fuel annually.

Complex Maintenance and Repairs

Maintaining AWD vehicles is expensive because the parts they’re made of tend to be more complex. Replacing damaged parts, not to mention using all the extra equipment, makes repairs and maintenance difficult and pricey.

Tire Problems

Since every wheel is used with an AWD vehicle, you’ll need to spend more money on tire replacements. Even if one wheel gets damaged, you’ll have to get them all changed. This is because it’s generally a better option to replace all the tires at once.

Your vehicle’s AWD system will struggle to get accurate readings of how much power to allocate if the wheels are in different states of wear and tear. With AWD vehicles, it’s essential to keep all the tires within a very close circumference. If the tires all have different circumferences, you can damage your drivetrain, transfer case, and front differential. This becomes especially problematic since the front tires of AWD vehicles tend to wear out faster than the rear tires.

With AWD vehicles, it’s essential to keep all the tires within a very close circumference. If the tires all have different circumferences, you can damage your drivetrain, transfer case, and front differential.

-Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

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