What is the gear usage instruction for the Prado?

[VanJackson]

The gear instructions for the Prado are as follows: Gear lever: The gear lever is located in the middle of the cabin. The topmost gear is the P (Park) gear, which is used for parking. The R (Reverse) gear is for reversing; engage this gear when reversing. Engaging the N (Neutral) gear puts the vehicle in neutral, which can be used for short stops. Important notes: The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear. To shift out of P gear, the brake must be pressed. Generally, when shifting between N, D, and 3 gears, there is no need to press the shift button. However, when shifting from 3 to lower restricted gears, the shift button must be pressed. Shifting from lower to higher gears does not require pressing the shift button. Never shift into N gear while driving to coast.

[Tobias]

Having driven a Toyota Prado for over a decade, the gear operation is quite intuitive. When parking, shift to P (Park) gear – you must press the brake pedal or it'll get stuck; use R (Reverse) for backing up, always check mirrors to avoid collisions; N (Neutral) is suitable for short waits at traffic lights but not recommended for prolonged idling. During driving, simply shift to D (Drive) for automatic gear changes – effortless and worry-free. For steep climbs or heavy towing, switch to 2nd gear or L (Low) to limit speed and protect the engine. Beginners often make mistakes like parking on slopes without engaging the handbrake before shifting to P gear, which wears the transmission (I learned this the hard way). During routine maintenance, check if the gear lever moves smoothly – just add some lubrication if needed, avoid unauthorized modifications. Safety first: always confirm gear position before starting to prevent misoperation. In summary, use D gear for daily driving, and flexibly select lower gears for complex road conditions.

[JonathanAnn]

After seeing many car repairs, incorrect gear usage often causes problems. The Prado has clear gear positions: P (Park) is for parking, used in combination with the handbrake for securing; R (Reverse) is for backing up, shift while holding the brake; N (Neutral) is for brief stops without turning off the engine; D (Drive) is for everyday driving with automatic shifting; 2 or L (Low) gears are suitable for off-roading or downhill speed reduction. Key point: always come to a complete stop and press the brake when shifting gears to avoid gear damage from skipping. Common issues like a loose gear lever or faulty sensor can lead to accidental neutral or gear lockup—check connections and fluids. Recommended: service the transmission every 5,000 km and clean the gear mechanism. Avoid forcing a downshift at high speeds to prevent loss of control. Practical tip: on wet roads, rely more on D mode and avoid excessive manual mode switching. Safe driving starts with proper gear shifting.

[Madison]

A friend who just started learning to drive asked about gear positions, so I'll briefly explain. The Toyota Prado has several gear positions: P, R, N, and D. Use P (Park) when stopping and turning off the engine; switch to R (Reverse) for backing up; try N (Neutral) at traffic lights to save fuel; normally, use D (Drive) for automatic forward movement. On slopes, if available, use 2 or L (Low) for slow-speed driving. Key operation points: Always press the brake to stop the car before shifting to any gear, ensuring the vehicle is stationary. Always start from P (Park) when igniting the engine—never start directly from N (Neutral). Mistakes like parking on a slope without engaging the handbrake can damage the gear mechanism. Remember to stay in D (Drive) while driving to minimize unnecessary gear changes. Gear maintenance isn't difficult—just get periodic adjustments at the shop.