4 Low & Go: Responsible Off-Roading Starts with the Basics

Taking an off-road trip isn’t just about exploring remote terrain and getting off the beaten path; although that’s certainly part of the fun. At OK4WD, we know that real off-road trips start with knowing how (and when) to properly use your vehicle’s capabilities, especially your 4WD system and 4 Low mode. Not only does this improve performance and safety, but it also helps minimize your impact on the environment you are exploring. 

First Things First: Do you have 4WD or AWD?

Before you hit the trail, make sure your vehicle is equipped with 4WD (four-wheel drive), not to be confused with AWD (all-wheel drive). Yes, it is confusing and while both systems send power to all four of your wheels, they service very different purposes. 4WD is typically found in trucks and off-road vehicles. It allows the driver to manually switch between 2WD, 4H (four-wheel drive high), and 4 (four-wheel drive low), offering maximum control in challenging terrains such as rocks, mud, steep hills, or sand. These vehicles often include a transfer case with low range gearing for low, controlled movement. 

AWD, on the other hand, is common in cars and crossovers. It automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing on-road traction in rain, snow, or other slippery conditions. While it is great for a safe commuter car, AWD is not built for off-roading like 4WD systems are. 

Understanding 4 High vs 4 Low

Both 4 High (4H) and 4 Low (4L) are settings on your vehicle's transfer case that engage all four wheels, but they are designed for different situations. 

Engaging 4 High or 4 Low will vary depending on your vehicle. 

-A manual shifter (normally older vehicles) will engage when you put your vehicle into neutral and firmly move the lever into 4H or 4L. You may hear a "clunk" and that's normal! 

-An electronic selector (newer vehicles) will require you to have the vehicle in neutral, turn the dial to 4L or 4H and watch for the 4WD indicator light on your dash to confirm it's engaged. If you can't get it into gear, sometimes putting it in drive or reverse and rolling a bit will click it into gear. You might hear a clunk even in the newer vehicles and that is okay!

*Note: It is recommended not to use 4 Low on dry pavement as it can bind the drivetrain and cause damage. 

When to Use 4L vs 4H

Knowing when to use 4L vs 4H is key to safe and smart off-roading. 

• 4H (4 High) is best for driving at moderate speeds on slippery or loose surfaces such as gravel, snow, mud, or wet pavement. It gives you extra traction while still allowing for normal driving speeds, making it great for every day winter conditions or gravel road use. It is typically recommended to use 4H under 50 mph so I would not use this setting all the time. 
• 4L (4 Low) is your off-road best friend. It is your go-to for low speed, high torque situations. Think steep hill climbs or descents, mud, sand, or rocks. It provides maximum control and torque by using lower gear ratios, helping you get through tough terrain without spinning your tires or stalling out. My favorite part about using 4L is for steep descends down a hill as 4L will crawl the vehicle down the terrain for you without you needing to brake in most cases. 

Quick tip: "High for Go, Low for Slow." If you're moving fast and just need traction, go 4 High. If you're moving slow and need torque, go 4 Low. 

Stay tuned for more of our 4 Low and Go series! This month, we're rolling out a full series on responsible off-roading. All from prepping your vehicle to protecting it on the trails. Whether you're new to 4WD or a trail veteran, we'll help you get more familiar with off-roading and the gear that we use to make it happen! 

In the meantime, shop our recommend items for off-roading:

• Recovery Straps and Soft Shackles for pulling your stuck vehicle safely:  Off-Road Vehicle Recovery Straps for Sale | OK4WD
• Traction boards to provide grip when your tires can't catch one: Off-Road Traction Boards | 4x4 Recovery Tracks | OK4WD
• Winches that are crucial for self-recovery and to help others on the trail that might need recovered: Truck Winches for Sale | Off-Road Winches Online | OK4WD
• Snatch blocks for multiplying your winch power and getting better angles: Off-Road Vehicle Recovery Gear & Equipment | OK4WD
• Tire deflators for lowering your tire pressure for better traction in 4L: Search
• Full Size Spare, but if you do not have one, a tire repair kit: Search
• A jack for changing or repairing a tire: Off-Road Truck Jacks | Recover Jacks for Sale | OK4WD