How to Use the Toyota Prado 4WD?
3 Answers
Toyota Prado 4WD is used as follows: When the vehicle's gear is in neutral or P gear, step on the brake and move the shift button from H4 to L4. Taking the Toyota Prado 2019 Automatic TXL Premium Edition as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4840mm, width 1885mm, height 1890mm, wheelbase 2790mm, front track 1585mm, and fuel tank capacity 87 liters. The Toyota Prado 2019 Automatic TXL Premium Edition is equipped with a 3.5L 280 horsepower V6 naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 206 kW and a maximum torque of 365 Nm.
I've been driving a Toyota Prado for a few months, and the four-wheel drive operation is quite straightforward. For daily city driving, I use the 2H mode, which is fuel-efficient and smooth, requiring no extra effort. When encountering rainy, slippery conditions or poor road conditions in snowy weather, I stop the car and switch to 4H four-wheel drive mode, enhancing traction with all-wheel drive and making the vehicle more stable. For off-road adventures, such as muddy sections or steep slopes, I stop and switch to 4L low-range four-wheel drive mode, which provides stronger power suitable for getting unstuck. It's crucial to come to a complete stop when switching modes, placing the gear lever in neutral before turning the mode dial, otherwise, it may damage the drivetrain. A friend of mine forgot to stop before shifting, resulting in severe noise and costly repairs. When using four-wheel drive, also consider the road surface type; prolonged use of 4H on hard surfaces can accelerate tire wear. Regular maintenance and checking fluids can extend the system's lifespan. The overall design is user-friendly, allowing even beginners to adapt quickly. Safety and peace of mind on the road come down to these small details.
Off-roading is my passion, and the Prado's 4WD system is incredibly practical for varied terrains. On regular roads, the 2H mode saves fuel; for light off-roading like gravel, switch to 4H for better traction; on challenging paths, engage 4L to amplify torque for easy hill climbs. Always stop the vehicle to shift modes—first shift to neutral, then rotate the knob and confirm the dashboard display to prevent component damage. Before every adventure, I check tire pressure and knob position to avoid surprises. Avoid prolonged 4WD use on dry paved roads to prevent accelerated wear. During maintenance, inspect 4WD fluids and linkages to prevent failures. The system responds swiftly, ensuring stable off-road control for safer adventures. Remember the golden rule: stopping to shift is crucial—wrong operations mean costly repairs. Regular checks keep the off-road fun intact.
