Two-wheel drive refers to the number of wheels driven by the engine via the drivetrain to provide the vehicle with motion.
Two-wheel drive vehicles come in two types: front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the drivetrain that transmits the engine force to the wheels can be shorter. This construction means less overall weight and better fuel economy. FWD makes a car prone to understeering since it pushes in a straighter line when cornering compared to the orientation of the tires due to the forward weight distribution.
RWD has its advantages. Rear-wheel drive allows for more acceleration from a stop as weight shifts to the rear due to inertia and presses the rear tires against the road. RWD distributes the car’s weight more evenly and allows for easier turning under normal conditions, although FWD cars tend to have more traction on slick surfaces because of the increased weight over the drive wheels.
If your vehicle feels like it’s drifting in the lane, consider getting its wheel alignment checked by a licensed mechanic. If you haven’t had it done before, like during tire or brake replacements, see our Fair Repair Range estimator to see how much you should pay for wheel alignment service.
