In a recent TikTok video, a mechanic issued a warning to vehicle owners about using their auto four-wheel-drive feature.
In the clip, which has garnered more than 784,000 views so far, TikTok user and mechanic @sticesticebaby4 stated this is a common mistake that could lead to costly repairs.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” he begins, turning the knob in a Chevy vehicle from auto 4-wheel drive to 2-wheel drive. “Do not put your vehicle on auto four-wheel-drive unless you wanna put a differential in it.”
In the caption, the mechanic further clarifies his point, writing, “If you need four-wheel drive, put it in four-wheel-drive.”
Do other experts agree with the mechanic about the auto 4WD feature?
As the mechanic mentioned in the video, overusing the Auto 4WD feature can lead to damage, especially to the vehicle’s differential.
Auto 4WD is supposed to engage in a loss of traction, such as on slippery roads or similar conditions. But if it’s constantly engaging, the differential could wear out faster and struggle to properly distribute power to the wheels.
Additionally, Auto 4WD overuse may result in overheating or injury from unnecessary metal friction.
Some sources such as Kennedy Transmission and Life on Four also support the claim, stating that improper use or neglect of the differential can result in expensive repairs down the line.
Viewers are split though
Users are confused about when a driver should use the feature, while others disagree with the mechanic’s claim.
“I have a 2019 chevy silverado I run mine in auto no problem,” shared one user.
The mechanic weighed in there. “A lot of people sure are upset if you put a leveling kit on your vehicle rough country says to not use the auto four-wheel-drive,” he said.
“I worked for chevy for 5 years and rarely heard of that happening,” shared another. “The type of guys that like rubber floors and crank windows all had that same mentality.”
The mechanic responded to that comment too. “I worked for a lift kit company and if you put a leveling kit on any truck, you shouldn’t run it an auto four-wheel-drive but I know nothing,” he wrote.
“As someone who never liked the idea of auto 4×4. WHEN THE HELL ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO USE IT?” said a third. “Either you need 4×4 or you don’t.”
@sticesticebaby4 If you need four-wheel-drive, put it in four-wheel-drive #RustBeltMechanic #GM #4×4 #Iowa #ForYouPage #Mechanic #Chevy ♬ original sound – SticeSticeBaby
The Daily Dot has reached out to @sticesticebaby4 via TikTok messaging and comments.
Update Oct. 19, 8:47am CT: In a TikTok message exchange with the Daily Dot, the mechanic addressed confusion in the comments about when drivers should use Auto 4WD.
“The main thing I think a lot of people are getting confused on in those comments is there’s a difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and automatic,” he explained. “Four-wheel drive is not all-wheel drive, and in my experience, what happens is the front differential goes bad. I’ve also seen the transfer case go bad, but more often than not, the front differential goes bad when running Auto 4WD all year round.”
He went on to explain that while Auto 4WD may be fine for drivers in snowy conditions, it shouldn’t be used on dry pavement for long-term use.
“For the people that live where there’s a lot of snow and they primarily use it on the highways, I’m sure that it works fine and lasts longer, but it should not be used on dry pavement for long-term use,” he continued. “If you’re going to select your vehicle into Auto 4WD, you should have slippery conditions involved. Rough Country tells you not to run Auto 4WD for vehicles that have a leveling kit, no matter if it’s four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive.”
When asked what prompted him to film the video, the mechanic shared:
“I was working on the vehicle but not for a differential problem. It has been a long-term customer of mine, and I was letting the vehicle get up to operation temp when I noticed that it was in Auto 4WD. I decided to make that short video, posted it on my Snapchat, and then decided to put it on TikTok—not knowing how controversial it would be. I haven’t worked on anything that’s had an Auto 4WD problem recently.”
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