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Comprehensive 4x4 and All-Wheel Drive Vehicle Services

When it comes to maintaining your standard 4-wheel drive (4x4) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, the skilled technicians at Woodard Automotive possess years of experience and specialized knowledge.

AWD systems operate as full-time 4-wheel-drive setups, where all four wheels receive torque from the engine simultaneously. These intricate systems require unique attention, and we're here to cater to their distinct needs. Below are some of the services we offer:


Alignment
Wheel alignment is a fundamental aspect of vehicle maintenance that entails adjusting the angles of the wheels to match the manufacturer's specifications. This process allows for the proper operation of the suspension and steering systems, reducing tire wear. Our experts excel in this complex procedure, ensuring precision alignment for your vehicle.

Differentials
The differential plays a pivotal role in distributing engine power to the wheels. It enables each wheel to rotate at different speeds, especially crucial during turns. To guarantee that your vehicle's differentials operate flawlessly, regular inspections and servicing are essential.

Driveline
The driveline serves as the vital link between the engine and the wheel axles. It encompasses the powertrain components, excluding the engine and transmission. Any malfunction in the driveline can immobilize your car since it hinders the transfer of energy from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, it is imperative to have your car's driveline routinely inspected and serviced.

Hubs, Seals, Studs, & Nuts
Wheel hub motors, or wheel motors, are electric motors integrated into the wheel hub itself, directly driving the wheel. To ensure a safer and smoother ride, it is crucial to replace damaged or worn-out wheel hubs promptly.

Maintaining functioning seals is essential for effective oil and grease sealing, particularly under diverse temperature and environmental conditions. Worn or damaged seals permit contaminants to infiltrate the bearing unit or cause lubricant leakage, leading to premature bearing failure. To safeguard your bearings, it's crucial to replace worn seals with new ones.

Studs are threaded fasteners that secure your truck's wheels to the wheel hub, via the brake disk or drum. If these wheel studs become stripped or damaged, they can pose serious safety risks. For your safety, replace any compromised wheel studs with high-quality replacements promptly.

Wheel nuts or lug nuts are fasteners that secure your vehicle's wheels to the threaded wheel studs on the wheel hub. Worn-out or damaged nuts jeopardize the secure attachment of your wheels to the hub, posing a risk of wheel detachment. To ensure the safe and secure fastening of your truck's wheels, reach out to Woodard Automotive in Fredericksburg, VA today.

Transfer Cases
The transfer case plays a crucial role in the four-wheel drive systems of both 4x4 and AWD vehicles. It receives power from the transmission and transmits it to both the front and rear axles. This transfer of power can be achieved through a set of gears or, in most modern cases, chain-driven mechanisms. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and axles via driveshafts.

Transmissions
Transmission repair is a matter of paramount importance, as the transmission is closely linked to key vehicle components, impacting your overall safety. Our transmission services encompass tasks like filter replacement and fluid draining to prevent transmission damage. If you encounter transmission issues such as shifting problems, slipping, stalling, fluid leakage, or a lit service indicator, it is imperative to schedule an appointment.

Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings reside within the wheel assemblies and enable the wheels to spin freely while being connected to the brake system. Over time, they can wear out, leading to a vibrating suspension and noisy operation while driving. In severe cases, if they fail entirely, your vehicle can become challenging to control and unsafe to drive. The replacement interval for wheel bearings varies, but periodic checks for leaks and wear are crucial.


4x4 FAQs

Is there a difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?

Both all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) engage all four wheels, but with a twist. AWD uses three differentials (front, rear, and center) for continuous power distribution, making it ideal for everyday driving with improved traction. 4WD typically uses two differentials and can be switched between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes, offering more control for off-road adventures.

Are 4x4 vehicles meant just for off-road driving?

While off-roading is their specialty, 4x4s aren't just for outdoor enthusiasts. Their enhanced grip and stability tackle slippery city streets and uneven landscapes with ease, offering peace of mind for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values dependable performance in diverse conditions.

Is running a four-wheel drive expensive?

Four-wheel drive fuel economy and maintenance might seem daunting, but it's a nuanced picture. Frequent off-road adventures and towing will impact costs differently than city commutes. Analyze your driving habits and needs before comparing 4x4 and 2 wheel drive costs.

To learn more about our 4x4 services, call us at 540-373-5269 or request a quote by clicking below:


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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

There are not enough stars on the scale to coincide with how elated I am with the level of service and overall satisfying experience I received on my first visit to Woodard! (This review is lengthy, but I wanted to show the huge difference between my experience with the dealer and Woodard Automotive.) I recently purchased a Certified Preowned (CPO) Land Rover (LR)... but had feelings of buyer's remorse -- especially after leaving Land Rover's service department. There was a rattling sound in my dashboard. After a 2-3 minute drive with a mechanic, and without popping the hood, LR told me that I would have to leave the vehicle because the "entire dashboard would have to be disassembled". The service adviser claimed that finding the cause of rattles is "tricky". He implied that it is so labor-intensive that it would take an unknown number of hours to "TRY to fix the problem..."; "there's no guarantee that it could be fixed...", and "the problem could even get worse... because you never know about rattles". (Imagine, purchasing a CPO vehicle, under warranty, but non-mechanical, non-electrical issues like "rattles" are not included in coverage.) As if their initial display of incompetence wasn't enough, the service adviser stopped me as I was getting into my vehicle and added - "...the other option is to wait until something worse happens in the dash... then Land Rover would cover it." I'm almost sure LR wouldn't take too kindly to that advice. (lol) And, why would he think I'd feel comfortable driving a vehicle that could potentially get worse, or leave me stranded somewhere -- primarily because I took the insane advice to ignore the rattle. (SMH) Their incompetence/fumbling blindly, hoping to get lucky and find the problem, would have cost me $246/hr. It took Woodard's owners, Andy, Lori, and a stethoscope (fondly called Dr. Andy) (smile) MINUTES to pinpoint the problem! I assume the mistake was probably made during the 165-point CPO inspection. (SMH) Needless to say, after leaving Woodard, I didn't even grant LR the courtesy of canceling my appointment. No call, no show is what they deserved. If Woodard accepts Land Rover's warranty and vice versa - I would breathe a sigh of relief, because I do NOT want to return to the dealer -- not even for repairs that are covered under the warranty. These days, it is virtually impossible to find a great master mechanic who can be trusted - in addition to a well-equipped facility to meet the demands of services needed to repair high-tech/late model vehicles. Woodard encompasses all of it! I thank God that I was led to Woodard's website. They are welcoming, personable, professional, and most of all competent and highly experienced! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! quotes-image
, 02/09/2024
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(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelentequotes-image
, 12/20/2023
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