FWD

📖 YOUCANIC Automotive Glossary

FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) is a drivetrain layout where the engine and transmission (transaxle) power only the front wheels. FWD is the most common passenger car layout because it is space-efficient, lighter, less expensive to manufacture, and provides good traction in normal conditions since engine weight sits over the driven wheels. FWD vehicles use CV (constant velocity) axle shafts with inner and outer CV joints to transmit power to the front wheels while accommodating suspension travel and steering movement.

Common FWD-specific issues include CV joint failure (clicking noise during turns indicates a worn outer joint), CV boot tears (allowing grease loss and contamination), and torque steer (pulling to one side during hard acceleration due to unequal-length axle shafts). FWD vehicles do not have a driveshaft, transfer case, or rear differential, simplifying the drivetrain but limiting towing capacity and off-road capability compared to RWD and AWD layouts.