4x4 is a term best used to describe a four wheel drive vehicle; standard household vehicles are powered by two wheels (4x2) whether it is back or front whilst a 4x4 vehicle is driven by all four. The 1st number of the term represents the number of wheels the vehicle has and the latter shows you how many of the vehicle's wheels are used when powering the drive.
The first 4x4 vehicle was created in the early twentieth century by a Dutch company called Jacobus Spyke. The first American produced 4x4 was in 1911 by two engineers called Zachow and Besserdich, the 4x4s were later supplied to the US and British armies during the First World War. Using blue prints from these designs, the German army ordered their manufacturers to create a similar vehicle which they did in 1933.
Up until the 1970's the vehicles did not change much with their main use being in the armed forces and for hard labour, it was seen as a work horse with attributes that no other vehicle could match. It has only been in the past 40 years where these attributes are now being seen as a statement of a person's status, they do not need the resources the vehicle can offer but they still choose to drive them.
4x4's receive constant bad press regarding this as they aren't as eco friendly as a standard vehicle but as they provide maximum comfort and road status, they are still being used for a trip down the local shop or the ever debated school run.
It raises the debate as to which is more important; form or function. Eco savers would strongly agree that function is most important, only people who need the facilities of a 4x4 should actually own a 4x4 due to its fuel consumption. On the other hand, people who want the 'king of the road' status argue that vehicles such as the Land Rover offer maximum comfort and safety in event of a collision.
For people thinking of buying an all wheel drive vehicle, they need to know what they intend the vehicle to do when they purchase one as the variety of vehicles now offered change a lot so you will need to know what you are using it for before you buy.
If you plan to be a little adventurous then you will need a 4x4 with low range gearing as without it, you will only be able to tackle a bit of sand.
One of the most popular 4x4 vehicles is the Land Rover; it has been around for years and is used by a range of users from enthusiasts, agriculturalists to the military. Its familiar shape has not changed much and has the capabilities that the off road community crave whilst catering for the many who prefer comfort and security.
Find cheap car insurance for your 4x4 by searching online using comparison sites, you will save time and money.
The first 4x4 vehicle was created in the early twentieth century by a Dutch company called Jacobus Spyke. The first American produced 4x4 was in 1911 by two engineers called Zachow and Besserdich, the 4x4s were later supplied to the US and British armies during the First World War. Using blue prints from these designs, the German army ordered their manufacturers to create a similar vehicle which they did in 1933.
Up until the 1970's the vehicles did not change much with their main use being in the armed forces and for hard labour, it was seen as a work horse with attributes that no other vehicle could match. It has only been in the past 40 years where these attributes are now being seen as a statement of a person's status, they do not need the resources the vehicle can offer but they still choose to drive them.
4x4's receive constant bad press regarding this as they aren't as eco friendly as a standard vehicle but as they provide maximum comfort and road status, they are still being used for a trip down the local shop or the ever debated school run.
It raises the debate as to which is more important; form or function. Eco savers would strongly agree that function is most important, only people who need the facilities of a 4x4 should actually own a 4x4 due to its fuel consumption. On the other hand, people who want the 'king of the road' status argue that vehicles such as the Land Rover offer maximum comfort and safety in event of a collision.
For people thinking of buying an all wheel drive vehicle, they need to know what they intend the vehicle to do when they purchase one as the variety of vehicles now offered change a lot so you will need to know what you are using it for before you buy.
If you plan to be a little adventurous then you will need a 4x4 with low range gearing as without it, you will only be able to tackle a bit of sand.
One of the most popular 4x4 vehicles is the Land Rover; it has been around for years and is used by a range of users from enthusiasts, agriculturalists to the military. Its familiar shape has not changed much and has the capabilities that the off road community crave whilst catering for the many who prefer comfort and security.
Find cheap car insurance for your 4x4 by searching online using comparison sites, you will save time and money.