4x4
is the term used to describe a vehicle with four-wheel drive. The first number is the number of wheels on the vehicle and the second is the number of wheels that drive. Most vehicles are driven either by the front two wheels or the rear two wheels.
Approach angle
is the angle between the ground and a line running from the tyre to the front bumper or other low-hanging part of the vehicle. This angle gives an indication of how steep a ramp the vehicle will go up without being damaged. It is also a good indication of how well the vehicle will climb over rocks and logs without hitting and possibly damaging the front part of the vehicle´s body or chassis. To see the approach angle clearly, you must look at the front of your vehicle from the side.
Articulation
refers to the ability of one axle to move so that the left wheel is up and the right wheel is down or vice versa. It measures how well the wheels will stay in contact with the ground and retain
Traction on very uneven surfaces.
Axle
is the bar on which a pair of wheels revolve.
Breakover angle
is determined by the height of the lowest part of the vehicle when it´s standing on flat ground. The breakover angle is the angle measured between a line from this point to the lowest point of the front wheel and the same measurement to the back wheel. The ground clearance is the measure of a vehicle´s ability to drive over a sharp ridge or ramp without damaging its underside.
Departure angle
is the angle between the ground and a line running from the tyre to the rear bumper or other low-hanging part of the vehicle. This is very similar to the approach angle as it indicates the vehicle´s ability to drive off a ramp or obstacle without damaging the rear.To see the departure angle clearly, you must look at the back of your vehicle from the side.
Chassis
is the rigid structure that the different components of the vehicle are fixed to. In some vehicles such as Discovery 3, the chassis is a separate frame. In other vehicles such as Freelander, the chassis includes everything except the body panels which are bolted on. This is called a monocoque construction.
Ground clearance
when the vehicle is stationary, the ground clearance is the measurement from the lowest hanging point under the vehicle to the ground. A high ground clearance allows a vehicle to drive more easily off-road without damaging the lowest components fixed under the body.
Powertrain
describes all of a vehicle´s components that produce power and transmit power to the wheels. The components are the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshaft, differentials, axles and wheel hubs.
Traction
is the concept of getting and keeping grip between the wheels and the ground surface without the vehicle slipping, skidding or sinking. High
Traction enables a vehicle to keep moving forward or backward when ground conditions are very slippery and provide little friction for the tyres to push against.
