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Many car owners wonder if their vehicle is all-wheel drive (AWD). This question often arises when preparing for winter driving or considering a used car purchase. You might feel frustrated if you can't easily find this information.
However, you can determine your vehicle's drivetrain using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This article will explain how to tell if your car is AWD using the VIN and other methods.
What is AWD and Why Does It Matter?
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is designed for everyday roads and tough weather. It sends power to all four wheels, helping your car stay in control on rain-soaked or snowy streets.
In sporty cars, AWD improves grip when turning fast or speeding up quickly. Some AWD systems can even switch to two-wheel drive to save fuel, then go back to all-wheel drive if the wheels start slipping.
Unlike 4WD (four-wheel drive), AWD works smoothly on pavement because it lets each tire spin at its own speed during turns. That's why many modern SUVs, cars, and even trucks now come with AWD for better safety.
How to Tell If Your Car is AWD?
There are several ways to know if you have AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD. They include:
Consult the Owner's Manual
Your owner's manual provides detailed information about nearly everything related to your vehicle. Look for sections that mention drivetrain options. If your vehicle has AWD, the manual will likely highlight it.
It's usually labeled under the “Features” menu or something similar under the table of contents. Many manufacturers clearly state whether the vehicle has AWD. For example, Ford provides detailed information about its AWD systems in the owner's manual for the Ford Edge SUV. If you can't find it there, don't worry; there are other ways to check.
Pull Up Information Using the VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can reveal a lot about your vehicle. It's a unique code that identifies your car. With the VIN, many online services can pull up your vehicle's specifications in just a few minutes.
With VIN check tools available online, you can get information on the wheel drive configuration (i.e., AWD, 4WD, RWD, FWD) and vehicle specs like engine sizes, tire sizes, rotor size, and others.
You can usually find the VIN on the driver's side door jamb on a sticker and on the vehicle registration documents.
If you can't find it, consult your owner's manual. It usually contains a section explaining where to locate the VIN. Once you have it, you can start checking your AWD status.
Check the Car Window Sticker
The original window sticker of your car also contains information on the wheel drive configuration of your vehicle. It's the sticker that displays all of the vehicle specs and equipment when it was new.
It shows information like optional features, safety ratings, emissions, pricing, and more information.
If you have owned your vehicle for some time – or got it from the secondhand market, you can use the original window sticker lookup tool to reprint it using the VIN.
Look Under Your Car
If you're comfortable getting under your vehicle, you can also tell if your car is an AWD. An AWD car is signified by a driveshaft leading to the rear wheels. If you see it, chances are your car is AWD. Here's an image to illustrate what you should be looking for:
Be cautious while inspecting. Make sure the vehicle is securely parked. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic.
Other Ways to Know If You have AWD
If the methods above are all out of the question for you, there are several alternative methods you can try.
- Look for AWD badges on the car. Many manufacturers place “AWD” or “4MATIC” badges on the back of the vehicle.
- Check online forums related to your car models. Many car enthusiasts share information about specific makes and models.
- You can find discussions about AWD features for your vehicle. Just type your car's make and model along with “AWD” in your favorite search engine.
AWD vs. 4WD Explained
Many people confuse AWD with four-wheel drive (4WD) – which is understandable given the similarities.
While both AWD and 4WD distribute power to all wheels, they work quite differently. AWD typically engages automatically to help with traction on slippery surfaces, and most cars with AWD do not require driver input.
4WD, on the other hand, is often a driver-controlled system. You engage it when needed, usually for off-road situations. Knowing the difference can help you understand your vehicle better.
Conclusion
Identifying whether your vehicle is AWD doesn't have to be complicated. Start by checking your owner's manual. If that doesn't help, pull up your vehicle's information by VIN. You can also look under your car for clues or check online forums. Understanding the differences between AWD and 4WD can provide insight into your vehicle's capabilities.
If you're buying a used AWD car, use our vehicle history report to check for any hidden records like accident, theft, salvage and rebuilt title and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can. By checking your VIN through a service like Detailed Vehicle History, you can find out if your car is AWD. The report will include drivetrain information.
To distinguish between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive (RWD), consider how the power is distributed. RWD vehicles send power only to the rear wheels. If you check your VIN or look for a driveshaft leading to the rear, you can identify your vehicle's drivetrain.
Yes, you can drift with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, but it's not straightforward. Drifting an AWD car requires a lot of power or a loose surface like snow or wet pavement. Unlike rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars, which are designed for drifting, AWD vehicles tend to perform differently.
