The perfect road companion this summer

It’s summer, and expect families to trek to popular vacation spots. But since most summer getaways are in remote areas in the province, expect road conditions to be unsatisfactory. You’ll need a good set of wheels to maneuver with ease.

It is recommended that a 4-wheel drive vehicle be used. A 4-wheel drive, popularly called 4x4, means that all four wheels are working and have traction, as compared to a 2-wheel drive, where only two tires have traction, the other two are free-wheeling. A 4-wheel drive system has two types, the all-time and the part-time. The part time can shift from a 4-wheel drive to a 2-wheel drive, and vice versa.

4x4 vehicles are basically ideal for off-road travel, since they can negotiate even the toughest road conditions, whether mud, sand, or loose soil. When your tires get trapped while traversing a difficult curve, getting out is easy with a 4-wheel drive.

These vehicles are ideal to drive because they works efficiently regardless of weather conditions. However, the problem with 4x4’s, particularly if it’s an all-time 4-wheel drive, is that it eats up too much fuel if all four tires function simultaneously. If you’re driving on smooth-paved roads, there’s no need for all tires to work for traction. You only need two wheels to work.

However, there are part-time 4x4 vehicles that still can’t shift quickly to a 2-wheel system. To shift, you need to go down and turn the rotating dial located at the wheel hub to lock or unlock to either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. When you’re driving and you need to shift, stopping completely and going down is inconvenient especially if you’re on the expressway.

Fortunately, there are 4x4 brands that use a "push button" shift on the fly system, where shifting from 2-wheel to 4-wheel and vice versa is no problem. One such brand is the SsangYong Rexton, distributed by Wheels, Inc. According to Celso Violeta, Wheels, Inc. Sales Manager, the Rexton, SsangYong’s full-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV), can shift easily to either system with ease depending on the road condition. And since the Rexton runs on diesel fuel, it remains a more affordable alternative to more expensive, gas-guzzling 4-wheel drive SUVs in the market.

Other 4-wheel drive vehicles under the SsangYong brand include the Korando, a mid-size SUV, and the Rhino, a 4-wheel drive, part-time 2-wheel drive sports utility truck.

"For the past year, we’ve been going great in terms of market response for SsangYong vehicles, where we made a lot of sales, especially the Rexton, many through word-of-mouth only. When the customers came over, we were able to convince them about SsangYong cars’ features, and they were impressed," Violeta said.

Customers can also expect a whole lot more if they decide to buy at Wheels, Inc., says Violeta. "We offer our cars at a much more competitive rate, but without sacrificing quality. Besides that, we extend customer-friendly financing schemes and other perks. So with Wheels, Inc., they not only buy affordable vehicles, they also get premium service," adds Violeta.

For inquiries on Rexton and other units, call 721-8477, 721-8439, or 721-1884 or visit Wheels, Inc. Automall at E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City.