How to Use the Prado's Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive?
3 Answers
The Prado's part-time four-wheel drive usage method: The part-time four-wheel drive system has several gear positions including 4H, 2H, 4L, and N, which stand for high-speed four-wheel drive, high-speed two-wheel drive, low-speed four-wheel drive, and neutral, respectively. For normal road conditions, use 2H; for complex road conditions such as rainy days, snowy days, or muddy roads, use 4H; for even more challenging road conditions, use 4L. The Prado is a mid-to-large SUV under FAW Toyota, with dimensions of 4840 mm in length, 1885 mm in width, and 1890 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2790 mm. In terms of power, the Prado is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 280 hp, a maximum torque of 365 Nm, and a maximum power output of 206 kW.
Using the part-time 4WD on the Prado is actually quite simple. I usually use it in three scenarios. When driving in the city or on well-paved highways, I keep it in H2 (rear-wheel drive) mode for better fuel efficiency and smoother handling. On rainy days or when driving on muddy or gravel roads, I stop the car, shift to neutral, and switch to H4 (high-speed 4WD), which noticeably prevents tire slippage. For serious off-roading like climbing hills or crossing shell craters, I make sure the car is completely stopped before switching to L4 (low-speed 4WD), where the torque amplification provides extra power. Two key things to remember: never use 4WD mode on paved roads, as it strains the differential; and keep the steering wheel straight when shifting gears to avoid those painful grinding sounds. After every off-road trip, I always turn the knob back to H2 so it’s ready for the next start-up.
I've got the four-wheel drive knob on the Prado completely figured out. For daily commuting, just twist it to H2 - the transfer case won't engage, which is most worry-free. When encountering icy roads or sandy terrain, stop about 20 meters ahead and switch to H4; the four-wheel drive provides exceptional stability for getting unstuck. Things get a bit more complicated when climbing steep slopes: you must come to a complete stop - shift to N - wait for the 4WD indicator light on the dashboard to stop flashing - then turn the knob to L4. At this point, you'll hear a distinct gear engagement sound. Remember that L4 mode can only be used below 30 km/h, and the steering will noticeably become heavier. Most crucially, never engage four-wheel drive on dry pavement - repairing a worn-out transfer case will hurt your wallet. Also, after switching modes, it's best to reverse a meter or two to ensure the gears are fully engaged before driving off.
