2000 Lexus ES300 Page 34

STARTING AND DRIVING
289
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the
transmission in the way described below:
1
Push the overdrive switch. (This is effective only
when you are driving in the ªDº position.) The ªO/D
OFFº indicator light in the instrument cluster will
come on and the transmission will downshift to the
third gear.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission by pushing and
releasing the overdrive switch, engine braking will
not be applied because the cruise control is not
cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle
speed, see page 298.
2 Shift into the ª2º position. The transmission will
downshift to the second gear when the vehicle
speed is lower than 120 km/h (75 mph) and
stronger engine braking will be enabled.
3Shift into the ªLº position. The transmission will
downshift to the first gear when the vehicle speed
is lower than 55 km/h (34 mph) and maximum
engine braking will be enabled.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
294
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the followingprecautions to prevent damage to thetransmission and other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal whileshifting the selector lever or before thetransmission is completely shifted to forwardor reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning thewheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking thevehicle several times, consider other wayssuch as towing.
(i) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from ªPº position
even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift
lock override button. For instructions, see ªIf you cannot
shift automatic transmission selector leverº on page
369.

STARTING AND DRIVING
312
Drum±in±disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum±in±disc type parking brake
system. This type of brake system needs
bedding±down of the brake shoes periodically or
whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are
replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding±down.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist
system judges as an emergency stop and provides
more powerful braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking
will be applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the
engine compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake
pedal. This does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of
approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when
the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately
5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system's warning light, see
ªABS warning lightº on page 65 and ªVehicle skid control
system warning lightsº on page 65.

DRIVING TIPS
318
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 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 288.
 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.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. 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.

DRIVING TIPS
319
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 a proper freeze protection of
engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components. Use ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 407 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to
about ±50 C (±58 F). Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
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 443 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.

DRIVING TIPS
320See page 406 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 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.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº and block
the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

DRIVING TIPS
329
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 affect
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 l ength 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.
 Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures
over 30C [85F]) when going up a long or steep
grade with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the
air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the
road and stop in a safe spot. See ªIf your vehicle
overheatsº on page 342 of this manual.
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking
brake firmly. Put the transmission in ªPº. Avoid

DRIVING TIPS
332
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel
is easy ± just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle
last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure.
Check the pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes
fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle.
Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine,
causing greater fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently.
Remember, however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer.
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit
starts.
 Keep the automatic transmission overdrive
turned on when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel
economy. (For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº
on page 282.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the
engine and start again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving . Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling.