2001 Lexus ES300 steering wheel

STARTING AND DRIVING
309
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved
vacuum.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will be longer.
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to help
prevent lock±up of the wheels during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This
assists in providing directional stability and
steering performance of the vehicle under these
circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti±lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti±lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
310The anti±lock brake 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).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces
such as on the manhole cover, the steel plate under the
construction, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy day
tends to activate the anti±lock brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle is started. This means
that the anti±lock brake system is in the self±check
mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the anti±lock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not
indicate a malfunction of the system:

You may hear the anti±lock brake system operating
and feel the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations
of the vehicle body and steering wheel. You may also
hear the motor sound in the engine compartment
even after the vehicle is stopped.
 At the end of the anti±lock brake system activation,
the brake pedal may move a little forward.

STARTING AND DRIVING
311
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti±lock brake system:
Although the anti±lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti±lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti±lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.

DRIVING TIPS
322See page 414 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
325
2. Shift the selector lever into the ªNº position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ªACCº position. Make
sure the audio is turned off and any item is not plugged
into the power outlet.
NOTICE
To avoid the locking of the steering wheel, turn the
ignition switch to the ªACCº position.
4. Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
To prevent the vehicle from being damaged,observe following.
Do not tow the vehicle at the vehicle speedmore than 88 km/h (55 mph).
Do not tow the vehicle for more than 320 km(200 miles).
After dinghy towing or at the recommended distance
limit, let the engine idle for more than 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle or resuming towing.

DRIVING TIPS
334
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.
 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

DRIVING TIPS
335
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 348.
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking
brake firmly. Put the transmission in ªPº. Avoid

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
373
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have
it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow
truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency,
your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or
chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your
vehicle may be damaged.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on
hard±surfaced roads for a short distance and at low
speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering
and brakes must all be in good condition.