How to Use the Prado's Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive?
2 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.
