7 Common Problems With RWD Cars (Rear-Wheel-Drive)

Using a rear-wheel drive vehicle offers an enhanced driving experience because the weight in evenly balanced.

Despite their smoother handling and lower center of gravity, rear-wheel drive cars have some shortcomings.

In this article, we will discuss the common problems with rear-wheel drive cars.

What Is a Rear-Wheel Drive Car?

A rear-wheel drive car is one where the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, so the rear wheels propel the car forward or backward.

This is different from front-wheel drive cars where the engine powers the front wheels.

The primary advantage of rear-wheel drive cars is that they have an evenly spread weight compared to front-wheel drive vehicles, which makes them more balanced.

Here are some common problems of rear-wheel drive cars:

Accessible to Drive But Difficult to Master

It is complicated to master rear-wheel drive cars. However, it is not as hard as four-wheel-drive cars, but some drivers find it difficult to adjust to the rear-wheel drive system.

This will not be an issue for vehicles with traction and stability control. The rear-wheel drive vehicle does not perform excellently in poor weather conditions such as snow and rainfall.

These weather conditions are susceptible to making your vehicle lose traction on smooth roads, which could lead to an accident once you lose control of the car.

Performs Badly In Harsh Weather Conditions

It is more difficult handling rear-wheel drive cars on wet, icy, and snowy surfaces.

The reason for this is that the rear-wheel drive system pushes the car instead of pulling it; you will likely experience difficulty maneuvering in snowy conditions.

Conversely, front-wheel drives pull the car and since the engine sends power to the front wheels, it’s easier for the car to move in less-than-ideal terrains.

Limited Interior Space

One of the issues with rear-wheel drive vehicles is the limited interior space.

The transmission tunnel occupies an ample space between the front passenger and the driver. There is insufficient leg room for center rear passengers, and this is because of the tunnel required for the drive shaft.

The mechanism takes up a lot of space on the rear-wheel drive vehicles, as the drive train connects the engine to the back wheels. The drive train creates a prominent hump that cuts through the vehicle, limiting the space for passengers and storage.

When you compare it with front-wheel drive vehicles, this problem does not exist. Front-wheel drive cars have sufficient space as their engines are above their wheels.

Related: 8 Popular Cars Without Transmission Problems (Solved)

Increased Weight

Another issue with rear-wheel drive vehicles in that they’re heavier than front-wheel drive cars.

The reason is that the drive shaft connects the engine at the front to the drive axle located in the back.

The presence of extra sheet metal to create the transmission tunnel will add more weight. However, the rear-wheel drive car weighs a little more than a front-wheel drive car but less than the four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles.

Related: Why Do Some Wheels Have Weights? (Explained)

Higher Purchase Price

When you compare the prices of a front-wheel drive vehicle to a rear-wheel drive car, you will discover that the wheel-wheel drive car is more expensive due to the extra cost of materials.

The rear-wheel drive vehicles have been the focus of most luxury performance autos, and these brands are expensive.

You have to think about the maintenance expenses of rear-wheel cars. While it may be cheaper to maintain these cars than a front-wheel drive vehicle, it costs more to buy rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Buying a rear-wheel drive car is influenced by factors such as the production expense of a strong axle for the vehicle and other things. Price is an essential factor that must be considered for individuals with a limited budget.

Related: How To Rotate Tires On Front Wheel Drive Vehicles (Explained)

Fuel Efficiency

Rear-wheel drive vehicles are not fuel efficient, which could hurt your finances when you spend more on fuel. If you want a car with excellent gas mileage, rear-wheel drive vehicles are not for you.

The reason for this is that rear-wheel drive cars are heavier, and this increases the engine’s fuel consumption.

If you’re concerned about fuel efficiency, you’re better off buying a front-wheel drive car.

Less Trunk Room

The rear-wheel drive vehicles have more equipment underneath the trunk, which makes them have less space.

If you want a car with sufficient trunk space, you may have to check other varieties except for rear-wheel drive vehicles.

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