Four-wheel vehicle, four-wheel drive, 4WD or 4×4 (read as four by four) is a vehicle with two axles whose drivetrain can provide force of movement to all four wheels at the same time. In some cases, these vehicles are linked with a transfer case which provides another driving shaft and sometimes even extra gear ranges.
There are different types of 4×4 vehicles:
- 4×4/4WD
- 4×2/2WD
- Part-time 4WD
- Full-time 4WD
- Automatic four-wheel drive (A4WD)
- Shift on the Fly 4WD
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Accessories that can be used for or put on these vehicles include:
- Air compressors and type accessories
- Air lockers
- Bull bars
- Camping accessories
- Canopies
- Driving lights
- Dual battery
- Rear protection
- Side rails and steps
- Safari Snorkels
- Towing
- Wheel Carriers
- Roof bars
- Roof racks
- UTE Lids
- Winches
Bull Bars are used to protect unsafe mechanical parts against animal attacks. They are also a strong base for other accessories that can be put on a 4×4, such as lights or winches. Winches are mostly used when vehicle is unexpectedly stuck in mud or the desert, but also when sudden rain storms hit while on the mountain.
Dual batteries can come in handy when a vehicle is used for camping trips, as it is a reliable source of power.
Driving lights are a needed accessory for night driving, especially for those off-road trips which are more dangerous, or when driving in bad weather and extreme conditions.
Like driving lights being a must for night driving, safari snorkels are a must for wilderness trips. Their role is to make sure water is not going into the airbox, the inside of the vehicle, and the engine when crossing rivers or flooded areas. It also works in dusty dry areas by keeping dust from the same parts.
When it comes to driving in remote areas, side rails and side steps offer good protection of the lower zone of the vehicle from debris and rocks found on the road. Besides protecting the vehicle, rails also make accessing the vehicle a lot easier. Side steps are also great to use for getting into and out of the vehicle. They are also good for keeping mud out. Accessories used to protect the back of the 4×4 include rear protection, towing, and various kinds of wheel carriers.
If a 4×4 vehicle is used for traveling to a remote camping ground or any travel for which extra storage is required, canopies are the most suitable accessory available. They are almost always rainproof if not even snow proof, and extremely flexible. A replacement for conventional canopies are UTE lids. Additionally, more storage can be added by putting roof bars or roof racks on top of the 4×4 vehicle. They are usually used for bags that can sustain certain amount of water or other gear which is not suitable to keep inside the cabin.