1999 LEXUS SC300 tow

DRIVING TIPS
267
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differ ently
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.

Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand
to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand
to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure
is generally opposite to that when backing without a
trailer.) Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time,
avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident.

Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed,
allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you
and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is
especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the need of sudden braking.

Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely aff ect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly
grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not
forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing lanes.

In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
Transmission must be in the º4º position (SC400) or in the
º3º position (SC300).

DRIVING TIPS
269
CAUTION

Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed
limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of
a towing vehicle±trailer combination usually increases as
the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause
loss of control.

Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long
downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.

SECTION 4
273
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
274
If your vehicle will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
275
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
280
If you have a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
283
If your vehicle needs to be towed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
297
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever . . .
306
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
2969. After
changing the wheel, check the air pr essure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
297
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TOBE TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle car efully in accordance with the instructions given
in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 303.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following few precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
298
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck

From front
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from
the front with rear wheels on the ground, as this may
cause serious damage to the transmission.

From rear

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
299
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE

Do not tow with the key removed or in the ºLOCKº
position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.

When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate
ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the
raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or
underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged
during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
302
NOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.

Tie down angle
If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the
angle must be as shown above.