Bad habits causing premature wear in rear-wheel drive vehicles

SOLO, KOMPAS.com – Rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems remain widely used due to their strength when carrying loads and reliability on inclines. However, many vehicle owners are unaware that RWD vehicles have performance limits, particularly when frequently overloaded. Overusing RWD vehicles beyond their load capacity can trigger drivetrain component damage.

Muchlis, owner of Toyota-Mitsubishi specialist workshop Garasi Auto Service in Sukoharjo, stated that RWD vehicles should last longer if properly maintained, especially by observing load limits and routine servicing. According to Muchlis, excessive loads create high torsional stress on RWD vehicles, forcing drive shafts to work harder and increasing the risk of breakage.

‘Imagine when a heavy load is carried: the shaft near the driven wheels is held back by the weight, while the end near the transmission twists as it transmits engine torque,’ Muchlis explained. Although not immediately causing shaft failure, components subjected to repeated high torsional stress tend to deteriorate faster.

‘Most RWD systems are fitted to commercial vehicles, which are often overloaded – a bad habit,’ Muchlis added. ‘For RWD vehicles, differential oil should be changed every 40,000 km or two years to ensure proper lubrication and prevent wear.’ With correct usage and scheduled maintenance, drivetrain components such as the differential, propeller shaft, and drive shaft can last longer and avoid serious damage.