How do I know if my Subaru is AWD?
Understanding whether your Subaru is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is essential for optimal vehicle performance and safety. Subaru is well-known for its AWD technology, but not all models are created equal. In this article, we will explore various methods to confirm if your Subaru features AWD, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance and capabilities.
Check the Owner's Manual
Your first step in determining if your Subaru is AWD is to consult the owner's manual. This document provides comprehensive information about your vehicle's specifications, including drivetrain details. Look for sections that discuss the drivetrain or performance features.
Look for Badges or Labels
Many Subaru models come with badges or labels indicating their AWD capabilities. Check the rear of your vehicle for any badges that say "AWD" or "Symmetrical AWD." This is a clear indicator that your Subaru is equipped with this feature.
Inspect the Vehicle's Features
Subaru's AWD system is often accompanied by specific features. Here are some characteristics to look for:
- Transmission Type: Most AWD Subarus have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a manual transmission with an AWD option.
- Drive Modes: Some models may have selectable drive modes that allow you to switch between AWD and other settings.
- Wheel Configuration: AWD vehicles typically have power distributed to all four wheels, which can be confirmed by inspecting the undercarriage or consulting a mechanic.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN can provide detailed information about your vehicle, including its drivetrain. You can find the VIN on the driver's side dashboard or inside the driver's side door frame. Use an online VIN decoder or contact a Subaru dealership to determine if your specific model is AWD.
Consult a Mechanic
If you're still unsure, visiting a trusted mechanic or Subaru dealership can provide clarity. They can perform a thorough inspection and confirm whether your vehicle is equipped with AWD.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your Subaru is AWD is crucial for understanding its capabilities and ensuring proper maintenance. By following these steps, you can easily determine your vehicle's drivetrain and make informed decisions about your driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to activate all-wheel drive on a Subaru?
Pressing the X-Mode switch activates 5 different forms of control to limit slipping tires:
- Engine Throttle.
- Transmission.
- All Wheel Drive.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control System.
- Hill Descent Control.
Is my Subaru AWD?
Every vehicle in the Subaru lineup comes standard with Subaru AWD, except the BRZ sports car.
How can you tell the difference between AWD and 2WD?
if you're able to see under the car, the AWD will have a rear differential and a driveshaft. The 2wd is front wheel drive and doesn't have a driveshaft nor does it have a rear differential.
Is FWD or AWD better in snow?
On the slippery stuff, a front-driver with winter rubber is more capable than an AWD vehicle on all-seasons.
How do I check if my car is AWD?
Look for a badge
If there are no obvious badges on the rear or sides of the vehicle to denote that it's an AWD or 4WD version, it could be disguised under the automaker's naming system. For example, Hyundai notes the presence of AWD with an H-TRAC badge on models such as their Sonata, Santa Fe and Palisade.
Is AWD or 2WD better for snow?
AWD systems are especially helpful in rapidly changing conditions or when driving on a road with intermittent snow and ice.
What is Subaru AWD called?
The Symmetrical Subaru AWD system is considered full-time AWD, meaning that it is always on and consistently delivering variable power based on sensor detection.
How do you activate AWD?
All-wheel drive is not intended to be engaged manually; as such, there is typically no need (or ability) to manually engage one's all-wheel drive system. Some vehicles do include an “AWD Lock” button. This button will lock the system into 50/50 distribution of power between the front and rear wheels.
How can you tell the difference between fwd and AWD?
AWD is all-wheel drive and FWD is front-wheel drive. The difference between the two is which sets of wheels get the power from the engine. In FWD, the engine sends power to the front axle while in AWD, the power is transmitted to both, the front, and the rear axle at the same time.
How can you tell the difference between AWD and RWD?
That is, regardless of the type of road surface or the application in which the AWD car is being used, all four wheels are being used to generate forward momentum. A Rear-Wheel Drive car as the name describes only uses two of the four wheels to develop forward momentum.
