Four-wheel steering (4WS) also known as the all-wheel steering system is used by auto manufacturers in different performance-oriented models and high-end vehicles. This system allows all four wheels of a car to turn in the same or the opposite direction at the same time. The traditional steering system allows only the front wheels of the vehicles to be steered, while the back wheels remain locked.
However, that is not the case with cars that have a four-wheel steering system.
Basic Features of Four-Wheel Steering System
Also known as Quadra steering system, the 4WS uses allows both the front and rear wheels to be steered in the same and or parallel direction at the same time.
Cars with four-wheel steering don’t require a lot of space to turn when compared with traditional cars that have a two-wheel steering system. The four-wheel steering technology allows for greater vehicle steering response time and keeps the car stable at high speeds.
Simply put, with this system all four wheels can turn in tandem or the opposite direction to increase a car’s agility in both high and low speeds.
Types of Four-Wheel Steering System
There are two types of four-wheel steering systems – passive four-wheel steering and active four-wheel steering. Let’s go through them in detail.
Passive Four-Wheel Steering
In the passive-four-wheel steering system, the rear wheels are mechanically connected to the front wheels. This means that the front wheels and rear wheels turn together but at a smaller angle. The main purpose of this system is to enhance stability and manoeuvrability when the car is driving at higher speeds.
At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction of the front wheels when the vehicle is turning. This reduces the turning radius of the car and improves its manoeuvrability. The passive four-wheel steering system doesn’t use sensors.
Active Four-Wheel Steering
The active four-wheel steering system uses sensors to monitor different factors including the vehicle’s speed and steering angle, among others.
Active four-wheel steering uses electronic or hydraulic systems to control the movement of the rear wheels independently from the front wheels. This allows the rear wheels to turn in the same direction as the front wheels, helping in sharper vehicle turn handling and manoeuvrability at lower speeds.
On the other hand, when the car is driving at higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels to improve stability and to change lanes safely.
Phases of Four-Wheel Steering
The working of four-wheel steering is based on three phases: negative, positive and neutral.
Negative phase
Both the front and rear wheels move in different directions in the negative phase. As both axles move in opposite directions the curving radius reduces while turning. As a result, the car needs less space for parking and this is helpful in places where traffic and parking are a major problem.
Neutral phase
In this phase, only the front wheels either turn to the right or left direction and the rear wheel remains straight or neutral. This is the drive used in traditional cars at medium speed.
Positive phase
The rear and front wheels move in the same direction in the positive phase. This motion of both the front and rear axle helps a 4WS vehicle to change lanes easily when driving on highways. This phase is generally applied at higher vehicle speed for better handling and more agility.
Benefits of Four-Wheel Steering
Four-wheel steering systems have many benefits. These include:
Better Maneuverability
Four-wheel steering systems have the ability to reduce the vehicle’s turning radius. This makes it easy to navigate the car in tight spaces, such as parking lots or urban environments. The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, this enhances agility and makes parking and U-turns more convenient. For instance, the GMC Hummer Electric truck has a four-wheel steering system for better maneuverability.
Improved Stability
Four-wheel steering results in more stability during high-speed driving. The rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction of the front wheels, providing better stability and control when changing lanes or cornering. Simply put, this reduces the risk of oversteering and improves the vehicle’s overall dynamics. An interesting fact about Honda is that some of their cars use a four-wheel steering system.
Enhanced Handling Performance
Four-wheel steering system or quadra steering system improves the car’s handling capabilities by actively adjusting the angle of the rear wheels. This results in a quicker response to steering inputs, more precision and agility while driving. The improved handling of cars with 4WS can be noticed especially during high-speed driving or when manoeuvring through challenging road conditions. Among other cars, the third generation of Toyota Camry introduced the four-wheel steering system.
Safety Improvements
Four-wheel steering increases vehicle stability, agility and manoeuvrability. The system reduces the risk of accidents by providing better control in emergencies, such as sudden lane changes or difficult manoeuvres.
That is all about four-wheel steering. If you’re looking for cars with this type of steering system, go through this list of used cars for sale in the UAE and pick the one with 4WS capabilities.
Besides, these are some other types of steering wheel options popular among cars.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s top auto blog for more on car features, repair tips and much more.
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