Why is a classic all-wheel drive SUV worse than an electronic crossover clutch
The owners of frame SUVs with hard-wired all-wheel drive are proud of their cars and arrogantly call all-wheel drive crossovers puzoters and SUVs. However, the multi-plate clutch, in the design of the chassis of the SUV, sometimes turns out to be better and more efficient than the classic all-wheel drive. About what are the undeniable advantages of the SUV, says the portal "AvtoVzglyad".
The main plus of the clutch is that it allows you to move with all-wheel drive always on any type of surface. Electronics automatically transfers the required percentage of traction to the rear axle and the car easily maintains stability in a straight line and in corners. That is, even an inexperienced driver will cope with it. This is very convenient on asphalt, which, by the way, is different. On some roads you can play billiards, while others abound with ruts, potholes and pits. By the way, the crossover also does not give up on gravel and mud. Fortunately, many of them now have high ground clearance, and the clutch is not so easy to overheat.
But it is undesirable to use a hard-wired all-wheel drive on asphalt. This is even written in the operating instructions. If you drive like this on flat tracks, the tires and transmission will quickly become worthless. Yes, and such a frame all-wheel drive behaves quite unpredictably. After all, you need to remember that the plug-in bridge is actually a rigidly locked center differential. And such a car on asphalt will behave more unstable than a crossover. And if you also block the front differential, you can fly into a ditch in a turn.
If you consider off-road, then the “honest” four-wheel drive shows itself better. Plus, its design itself is not prone to overheating, which cannot be said about the clutch. However, already now there are technical solutions that reduce the likelihood of overheating of the coupling. Multi-disc center clutches work very efficiently and are resistant to overheating. So the gearbox will “ask” for mercy faster.
This is partly why frame SUVs are increasingly inferior to crossovers. Today's customers value driving comfort and enjoyment more than off-road capabilities.
At the same time, it is obvious that the operation of all transmission units can be effective only if they are properly serviced. This applies to the selection of operating fluids and oils. The range of these products is very wide and includes dozens of specifications from different manufacturers. In such an abundance, it is easy to make a mistake, and therefore, when choosing the right composition, experts advise focusing on the products of well-known companies.
In this regard, we can safely recommend technical lubricants from the German company Liqui Moly, which has extensive experience in the production of such products. So, for example, at the beginning of the year, the company presented its next development: Lamellenkupplungsöl synthetic transmission oil for SUV class cars. It was specially created for transmissions equipped with all-wheel drive systems with Haldex clutches. Recall that for cars of different brands they are hidden under the designations Haldex Allrad, Quattro, 4motion, etc. The novelty is distinguished by the stability of all operating parameters, a long service life and high anti-corrosion properties.
The latter, we note, is extremely important for the reliable operation of friction mechanisms and hydraulic servo drives. The maximum effectiveness of Lamellenkupplungsöl is achieved when using a pure, unmixed product, so the sleeve must be rinsed before filling.
