The 4 wheel steering system allows all four wheels of a vehicle to be steered. There are two main types - passive systems only steer the rear wheels for stability while active systems can independently control all four wheels for improved maneuverability. Active systems use sensors and actuators to precisely control rear wheel steering. Benefits include enhanced handling, stability at high speeds, and safety, while drawbacks are increased complexity and cost. Applications include sports cars, trucks, construction equipment, and future integration with driver assistance and autonomous vehicle technologies.