What are the taboos of the Prado part-time four-wheel drive?
2 Answers
The taboos of part-time four-wheel drive are that the four-wheel drive mode should not be used on paved roads or roads with good traction and high friction; on slippery roads during rain or snow, muddy mountain roads, sandy areas, or other unpaved surfaces with low friction, the four-wheel drive mode should be activated. Advantages of part-time four-wheel drive: The advantages are that part-time four-wheel drive technology is very mature, the structure is relatively simple, and the reliability is good. Additionally, since it does not require a central differential lock, the cost is much lower than that of full-time four-wheel drive. Definition of part-time four-wheel drive: Part-time four-wheel drive is a four-wheel drive system where the driver can manually choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The driver can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes by engaging or disengaging the transfer case based on road conditions.
As a seasoned off-roader who frequently takes the Prado on adventures, I've learned that part-time 4WD comes with significant caveats. Remember, never engage 4WD mode on dry paved surfaces like city asphalt or highways. Once, I forgot to switch back during a long trip, and the vehicle's drivetrain locked up, costing thousands in repairs. The reason is that part-time 4WD is designed exclusively for muddy or sandy terrain – using it on dry roads binds the axles and differentials, causing severe wear and potential steering loss. Additionally, keeping 4WD engaged during turns increases skid risks, especially at higher speeds. My advice: only engage when absolutely necessary and immediately revert to 2WD afterward. During off-roading, always check tire pressure too – overinflation or underinflation both compromise performance. Bottom line: don't cut corners by misusing this system.
