2006 Lexus GS430 trailer

STARTING AND DRIVING
405
CAUTION
Certain conditions make vehicle detection difficult or
impossible.
As this system operates by detecting primarily the
reflected wave from the rear end of the vehicle ahead,
the distance cannot be accurately detected in the
following cases, resulting in improper
vehicletovehicle distance.
♦ The rear section of the vehicle ahead is extremely
small such as an unloaded trailer.
♦ The vehicle ahead or other vehicles around you
are flinging up water or snow.
♦ Heavy luggage which is loaded in your trunk or on
top of your rear seats is raising up the nose of your
vehicle.
 The millimeter wave radar sensor automatically
detects dirt if it is sticking to the front of the sensor
or cover of your vehicle, and if detected, a message
appears on the multiinformation display. However,
if the sensor or cover is covered with a metallic vinyl
bag, icicle, snowflakes, etc., dirt may not be detected,
resulting in improper vehicletovehicle distance.
Continue driving with due care to the vehicle ahead.
If dirt is detected, the dynamic radar cruise control
function is automatically cancelled. Always keep the
sensor and cover clean.
Dynamic radar cruise control should not be used in the
following conditions, to avoid death or serious injury.
 In bad weather (such as rain, fog, snow , sandstorms,
or when raindrops or snowflakes get in the millimeter
wave radar sensor or the cover), the
vehicletovehicle distance will not be measured
accurately.
If the wipers are operated at high speed (including the
high speed operation with the wiper lever in the
“AUTO” position), dynamic radar cruise control is
automatically cancelled. (In the case of the low speed
operation and intermittent wiper operation, it is not
cancelled.) Dynamic radar cruise control is
automatically cancelled when the measurement is
extremely unstable due to bad weather.
 On the roads in heavy traffic or at sharp bends:
As an appropriate speed cannot be maintained, death
or serious injury could result.
 On slippery road surfaces (icy or snowcovered road
surfaces):
The tires will race and you will be unable to control.

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
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
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.