2006 Lexus GS430 towing

STARTING AND DRIVING
364
G31026
Shift range position indicator
The shift range position is displayed on the instrument cluster.
 Shift range positions
“6” (sixth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and overdrive (sixth) gears according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions. Always use the “6”
(sixth range) position to improve fuel economy and for quiet
driving.
“5” (fifth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and overdrive (fifth) gears according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions. This range is
suitable for acceleration such as when you want to pass a
vehicle running ahead of you during high speed driving. “4” (fourth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between
first and fourth gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. In the “4” (fourth range)
position, the automatic transmission system will select the
most suitable gear to handle current running conditions
such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
“3” (third range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and third gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. This range is best used when
stronger engine braking is necessary.
“2” (second range): First or second gear will automatically
be selected according to vehicle speed and driving
conditions. This range is to be used when engine braking
stronger than that of the “3” (third range) position is
necessary.
“1” (first range): This gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used
when maximum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not
possible to downshift due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone
sounds twice.

STARTING AND DRIVING
384
Devices issuing ultrasonic waves are operated around your
vehicle, such as a horn from another vehicle, motorcycle
engine, air braking sound from heavy −duty vehicles.
 When another vehicle equipped with ultrasonic sensors
gets close to your vehicle.
 When heavy rain or water is splashed over the vehicle.
(Drive carefully as the braking distance may be affected.)
 When a radio antenna or fender pole is mounted on your
vehicle.
 If towing eyelet is installed on your vehicle.
 When you are driving towards a tall curb stone or curb stone
having right angle.
 The detection range for an object such as a traffic sign may
be shortened.
 An object just under the bumper cannot be detected.
Although an object lower than the location of sensors is
once detected, the detection might be stopped when your
vehicle gets closer to the object.
 When an obstacle is very close to the sensors. The intuitive parking assist may not detect the following:

Thin objects such as wire or rope
 Sound wave absorbing objects such as cotton or snow
 Objects with a sharp edge
 Tall objects with the upper part projected
 Shorter objects

SECTION 3 – 2
455
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break−in period456
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Operation in foreign countries 456
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Tips for driving in various conditions 456
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Winter driving tips 458
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Dinghy towing 459
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Trailer towing 460
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 460
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Vehicle load limits 462
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Cargo and luggage 463
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DRIVING TIPS
459
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.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
G32001
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

DRIVING TIPS
460
TRAILER TOWING
G32002
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Lexus also does not recommend the installation
of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a
wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Lexus is not
designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy 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 inflation 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 warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission” on page 359.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 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.

DRIVING TIPS
462
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity . Follow the
load limits shown below. Total load capacity and seating
capacity are also described on the tire and loading
information label. For location of the tire and loading
information label, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 548.
Total load capacity: 370 kg (815 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage.
Seating capacity: Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of each
person, the seating capacity given may exceed the total
load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.
Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on
the size (weight) and the number of occupants. For
details, see “Capacity and distribution” that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.

DRIVING TIPS
463
CARGO AND LUGGAGE
Stowage precautions
When stowing cargo and luggage in the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put cargo and luggage in the trunk when at all
possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the
weight as far forward as possible helps maintain
vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
CAUTION
Do not place anything on the package tray
behind the rear seatback. Such items may be
thrown about and possibly injure people in the
vehicle during sudden braking or an accident.
 Do not drive with objects left on top of the
instrument panel. They may interfere with the
driver’s field of view. Or they may move during
sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and
impair the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an
accident they may injure the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle
capacity weight specified on the tire and loading
information label.

DRIVING TIPS
464
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the
occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight
of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150
lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4. (6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.