Page 3 of 10
DRIVING TIPS
121 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.
See page 110.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting
or braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in
engine speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine
braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over
140 km / h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high−speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km / h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury.
Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the
tires on your vehicle are high−speed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold
the vehicle securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethylene−glycol antifreeze in the
radiator.
NOTICE:
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 194 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 174 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer − they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system for loose connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing. To open a frozen lock, try heating the key before
inserting it.
Page 6 of 10
DRIVING TIPS
124Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a
trailer so that the rear license plate can be seen clearly.
NOTICE:
Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body
damage.
Do not use axle−mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels
or tires.
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state / provincial
regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer
tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the
ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. For
correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.CAUTION:
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
possible danger of the trailer wandering over into
another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kg / cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Page 7 of 10
DRIVING TIPS
125
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state / provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer
or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break−in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. Refer to the
maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions
(Schedule A) in Section 5 for specific information.
Pre−towing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose−up or nose−down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state / provincial or local regulation. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle−trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle−trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel of it.