In a typical automobile, the wheels responsible for moving the car are known as the drive wheels. The drive wheels receive power from the engine and transmit it to the road surface, propelling the vehicle forward. The specific wheels designated as drive wheels can vary depending on the type of drivetrain configuration in the car:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the front wheels are the drive wheels. They are responsible for both propulsion and steering.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the rear wheels are the drive wheels. The engine's power is transmitted to the rear axle, and the rear wheels provide propulsion while the front wheels handle steering.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): In an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle, power is delivered to all four wheels, either continuously or on-demand. Depending on the system, all four wheels can contribute to propulsion, although certain systems may distribute power primarily to either the front or rear wheels and then engage additional wheels as needed for traction.
It's important to note that in some advanced electric or hybrid vehicles, individual wheel motors or electric motors located near each wheel can provide propulsion, eliminating the need for a traditional drivetrain with a central engine and mechanical transmission.