Jump to content

Is it bad to run your truck in “Auto 4wd”?

aha1987
 Share

Recommended Posts

Shall36 Enthusiast

Shall36

Posted
Posted

Guys, not complex. Auto AWD in the GM trucks is designed to be used in any condition.  On dry roads, it’s only going to put power to the front wheels if you break the rear tires loose. There are other AWD systems that are full time AWD. The 4wd setting puts power up front 100% of the time. You will get binding if the wheel is turned and the tires have enough grip to not break loose. This is why any 4wd system should only be engaged when on loose roads. “Auto” is not the same as “4WD”. Auto is akin to AWD, which is different from 4WD. 
 

i personally set to 2WD unless it’s raining then I use Auto. I could leave in Auto all the time but it’s sometimes more fun to be in 2WD. 

  • Like 1
  • Replies 48
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

OnTheReel
OnTheReel

4 AUTO engages the front axles but sends very little power to the front wheels until slip is detected. The power distribution is handled by an electronic clutch in the transfer case.   In au

z1boss
z1boss

I've always ran my trucks in 4wd auto.  No issues at all.  I've noticed that the gas mileage isnt really affected either based on my testing.

Wiggums
Wiggums

Manual states slight drop in gas mileage if set on auto instead of rear wheel drive.    

Posted Images

diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted

2WD to save wear, 4WD snow, mud, slippery boat ramp. 

  • Like 1
customboss Senior Enthusiast

customboss

Posted
Posted (edited)

Auto mode as others have said isn't 4WD until it AUTO LOCKS the transfer case.  It's the GM version of AWD on demand formerly known as Auto Trak II.  It's too slow up here most of time on gravel sand roads going up steep angles in ice and snow but good  insurance for the Missus when she's nervous. 

Edited by customboss
  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
Davew277 Enthusiast

Davew277

Posted
Posted
On 12/7/2022 at 4:42 PM, Snakes709 said:

The more a part gets used, the more it wears down. 4auto uses clutches to activate 4wd when it detects slip. 4wd is meant to be used on low traction situations. Have you ever tried to turn sharply with 4hi or 4low on dry surfaces? It can damage the drivetrain. The clutches help minimize that so it can be used when its dry. But my question is, why would you? If the driving conditions are ideal, why would you need anything other then 2wd?  


Well, then if you use 4auto all of the time then all the drivetrain components should wear equally instead of the rear end components wearing out first, right?

What about vehicles that don't even have a 2wd option? Those aren't breaking down all of the time. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with full time 4wd. It's using the same technology as 4auto.

Snakes709 Enthusiast

Snakes709

Posted
Posted
20 hours ago, Davew277 said:


Well, then if you use 4auto all of the time then all the drivetrain components should wear equally instead of the rear end components wearing out first, right?

What about vehicles that don't even have a 2wd option? Those aren't breaking down all of the time. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with full time 4wd. It's using the same technology as 4auto.


so your theory is its better to wear out more components evenly and faster instead of wearing the rear out first and the front out later.  Ok, have fun with that. 

Davew277 Enthusiast

Davew277

Posted
Posted
14 minutes ago, Snakes709 said:


so your theory is its better to wear out more components evenly and faster instead of wearing the rear out first and the front out later.  Ok, have fun with that. 


What does it matter? Most people don't keep their vehicles long enough for either to wear out.

I have found over the years that components which are used often work for a long time. Components that are never used will not work when you finally decide to use them.

KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted
44 minutes ago, Davew277 said:


What does it matter? Most people don't keep their vehicles long enough for either to wear out.

I have found over the years that components which are used often work for a long time. Components that are never used will not work when you finally decide to use them.

That happened to me with automatic locking hubs on my 97 Ford diesel. I should’ve engaged them once in awhile on wet roads. I found out one day when I got stuck. I ended up putting on manual locking hubs. 

  • Like 1
Davew277 Enthusiast

Davew277

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, KARNUT said:

That happened to me with automatic locking hubs on my 97 Ford diesel. I should’ve engaged them once in awhile on wet roads. I found out one day when I got stuck. I ended up putting on manual locking hubs. 

 

That's why I'll be running in 4auto most of the time, unless I'm on a long trip and I'm trying to save that extra 1 mpg or so by using 2wd. Otherwise there's really no reason to use 2wd IMO. But to each their own.

Then of course I'll use 4H or 4L when it's really needed.
 

 

I think Ford is the only company that still has manual locking hubs today. Even Jeep has went completely automatic now.

  • Like 1
Z45 Senior Enthusiast

Z45

Posted
Posted (edited)

To add context,  I was in the GM dealer for service on Tuesday and was in the waiting room when the service manager came in to tell a customer his truck was ready to go, oil change I take it.  The customer started asking him about using 4wd, should I 4H or AUTO,  we were having some bad weather.  The SM related that the state police/co's are told to keep their 4wd Tahoe's/Silverado's in AUTO all the time (24/7) no matter what.  They have never replaced any transfer cases in any those vehicles and as you can imagine, they are driven hard. This is in Michigan where more the 50% of the time you are driving on snow and ice covered roads as well as the co's in the boonies all the time.

 

PS-The new Silverado's the CO's have are Custom Trail Boss's less any decals etc.  They even promote that every new CO's is assigned a brand new Silverado CC pu as well as boat, snowmobile, atv.

Edited by elcamino
  • 1 month later...
cabledude Enthusiast

cabledude

Posted
Posted

For what it is worth, when I bought my 2018 Sierra, the owner told me he had the transfer case replaced under warranty, the dealer told him it was likely because he left it in Auto all the time, but seldom drove on anything but dry pavement.  If I suspect there is any reason I am going to need it, I put it in Auto, if not I leave it on 2WD.  Don't know if it saves gas or not, but every little bit helps.

  • Like 1
  • 3 weeks later...
Luc1f3r Enthusiast

Luc1f3r

Posted
Posted
On 1/30/2023 at 7:49 AM, asilverblazer said:

3 pages when the proper response was in post 7.

Lets make it 4 cause i disagree :)

With 6.2 and the ultra intrusive traction control I always run in 4 auto except when on long highway trips. Saves the tires and makes the truck much more predictable when accelerating. 

Silverado4x4 Senior Enthusiast

Silverado4x4

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, Luc1f3r said:

Lets make it 4 cause i disagree :)

With 6.2 and the ultra intrusive traction control I always run in 4 auto except when on long highway trips. Saves the tires and makes the truck much more predictable when accelerating. 

How does it make it more predictable when accelerating? It only engages when it detects rear wheel slip. 

KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

I had a couple of auto 4wd trucks. I always had loud exhaust sometimes megaphones. Sometimes stupid mustang drivers, okay other people too would take the bait when I left the light hard in the rain. It would really piss them off. They couldn’t figure it out. It was still more fun smoking people with my modified diesels. No I didn’t roll coal, I hated that.

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted
51 minutes ago, Luc1f3r said:

Lets make it 4 cause i disagree :)

With 6.2 and the ultra intrusive traction control I always run in 4 auto except when on long highway trips. Saves the tires and makes the truck much more predictable when accelerating. 

Operating the vehicle contrary to what is described in the owners manual is not covered by warranty. :) Lead foot much in the 6.2? 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • KARNUT
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By KARNUT · Posted

      It wouldn’t have happened if the government hadn’t mandated outrageous fuel mileage standards. It does very little for the consumer. It adds cost. Back during Covid there was a chip shortage. They gave a rebate for your truck if it didn’t have the chip to turn on cylinder deactivation. It was 50$ because at best you may see 1/2 a mile increase per gallon. Splitting hairs each fuel mileage trick wasn’t mandated. The government doesn’t do the engineering work and say use this until it’s already in use and they like it. The fuel mileage was mandated. And those add ons the results. There’s a mandate and they are the results.
    • newdude
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By newdude · Posted

      It was never mandated.  Ever.    Automakers were incentivized to install it by getting CAFE credits to help with their vehicle fleet fuel economy scores.  They were being handed money/CAFE credits to install it.  Which is NOT a mandate.       The current admin removed the incentives that were behind them installing it.       
    • lanaderay
      5 Best Slide Down Gameplay Tips! 

      By lanaderay · Posted

      Are you playing Slide Down endlessly but your score is still low? Are you constantly crashing into obstacles as the game speed increases? Don't worry, this article will share 5 invaluable tips to help you master the race and impress your friends. Golden Rules 1. Look one step further. The mistake of 90% of new players is only staring at their character. The secret of experts is to look towards the top of the screen (where the slide is about to appear). This gives your brain an extra 0.5 - 1 second to process the situation and determine the direction of movement before the obstacle approaches. 2. Use gentle movements; don't swipe too hard. Slide Down is very sensitive. Moving your finger too forcefully or with excessive amplitude will cause your character to be thrown off course or crash into a wall. Practise moving your finger with small, decisive, and precise movements. 3. Don't be greedy for gold in dangerous locations. Gold coins are tempting for buying skins, but life is more important. If you see a gold coin right on the edge of a cliff or next to a spike trap, ignore it. Our goal is a High Score, and your score only increases if you survive. 4. Make the most of Power-ups. During the slide, you'll encounter items like Magnets (attract gold) or Shields (temporary invincibility). Never miss them! Especially the Shield, it's your "get out of jail free card" to help you get through those deadly fast sections. 5. Stay calm when speed peaks. When your score exceeds 500 or 1000, the game speed will be very fast. At this point, don't try to think logically; let your natural reflexes work. Take deep breaths and don't panic. Apply these 5 tips to your next game, and your leaderboard will surely improve dramatically. Good luck climbing the Slide Down leaderboard!
    • lingyuair
      Why I Recommend a Desiccant Air Dryer for Cleaner, Drier Compressed Air

      By lingyuair · Posted

      If you use compressed air regularly, one problem you cannot ignore is moisture. Water in the air line can cause rust, unstable air pressure, poor tool performance, and even damage to sensitive equipment. That is why I highly recommend using a desiccant air dryer. A desiccant air dryer is designed to remove moisture from compressed air by using drying materials such as activated alumina or molecular sieve. Compared with basic water separators, it can achieve much lower dew points, making it especially useful for applications that require dry and stable air. For workshops, painting systems, pneumatic tools, CNC machines, laser cutting equipment, and industrial production lines, a desiccant air dryer can make a big difference. It helps protect equipment, improve air quality, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the service life of the whole compressed air system. Another advantage is reliability. Many desiccant air dryers are built for continuous operation and can maintain stable drying performance even in demanding environments. For users who care about long-term efficiency and equipment protection, this is a smart investment. When choosing a desiccant air dryer, I suggest paying attention to air flow capacity, working pressure, dew point performance, regeneration method, and maintenance requirements. A good model should match your compressor system and actual air consumption. Overall, if moisture is causing problems in your compressed air system, a desiccant air dryer is definitely worth considering. It is practical, efficient, and highly useful for anyone who needs clean, dry, and reliable compressed air.
    • Jsdirt
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By Jsdirt · Posted

      My brand new 2007 Silverado's wax frame was rust from end to end partway through it's SECOND winter here in MA. That stuff is completely useless.    

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...