2006 LEXUS LS430 wheel

140
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driver assist systems
When VSC or TRAC is operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the rear wheels spin, the
slip indicator ligh t flash to indicate
that the s

ystems have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds
when VSC is operating.
To help enhance improve vehicle safety, the following systems operate auto-
matically in certain driving conditions.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Help ensure steering performance in th e event of sudden braking or driving
on slippery road surfaces.
■ BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
pushed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps maintain drive power and prevents spinning the rear wheels when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Pre-collision system (if equipped)
( P. 1 4 3 )

141
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC and TRAC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC and TRAC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn VSC
and TRAC off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free the vehi-
cle.
Push the button to turn off VSC
and TRAC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light
turns on.
Push the button again to turn the
sy
stem back on.
1
■Operating sounds and vibrations caus ed by the ABS, VSC & TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the ABS, VSC and TRAC sys -
tems are operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• A sound may be heard.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly while the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move forward slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Failure warning for VSC or TRAC system
If an error in the VSC or TRAC systems is
detected, the master warning light and
TRAC OFF indicator light comes on, a warning tone sounds. (P.334 )

142
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in-an accident which could cause death
or serious injury:
■The ABS may not operate effectively when:
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●If the vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed while the road is wet or
slick.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is activated will exceed that of normal condi -
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the v
ehicle’s stopping distance. Always main -
tain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, particularly in the
fo
llowing situations.
• When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
• When driving with tire chains
• When driving over bumps in the road
• When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
• When towing a trailer
■TRAC may not operate effectively when:
Directional control and power may not be ac hi
evable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where control and power may be lost.
■When the slip indicator flashe s and a warning buzzer sounds
This situation occurs immediately before VSC is activated. Always drive carefully.
R
eckless driving may cause an at the recommended level. 
Exercise particular care when an indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Ensure that all tires are the same size an d
brand, have the same tread pattern, and
that the level of tire pressure is at the recommended level. 
The ABS and VSC systems may not operate no rmal
ly if different tires are installed
to the vehicle. 
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmati
on when replacing tires or wheels.

149
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate for the
prevailing weather and roadway conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids appropriate to the p revailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Inspect the level and specific gravity of battery electrolyte.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four sno w tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same si
ze and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■ Befor
e driving the vehicle
Perform the following steps acco r
ding to the driving conditions.
●Do not forcibly try to open a window or move a wiper that has fro-
zen. Pour some warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. 
Wipe away the water immediately to pr
event it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front
of the windshield.
●Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
●Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may
accumulate in the wheel well or brakes.

151
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injur
y.
• Use tires of the specified size.
• Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
• Do not drive in excess of 72 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tir
es being used.
• Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in to the vehicle being unable to be driven safely and a
p
ossible accident which may cause death or serious injury.
• Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
• Avoid driving on bumpy road s
urfaces or through potholes.
• Avoid sudden turns and braking, as us e of chains may a
dversely affect vehi-
cle handling.
• Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con -
trol is maintained.

154
2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P.283 )
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom -
mendation.
●All trailer lights must work to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
p

ower train components (engine, transmissi on, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (see “Owner’s Manual Supplement/ Scheduled Mainte -
nance”)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

156
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. 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 tra iler
’s lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
• Practice turning, stopping and reversi ng with the tr
ailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you be come accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
• Reversing with a trailer attached is dif
ficult 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 yo ur hand to the right to move the
trailer to the right. (This is gene rally opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to redu ce the risk of an accident.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
sta

te/provincial requlations.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Direct splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunc -
tion.

157
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
• As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increas ed. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
• Avoid sudden braking as you may sk id, r
esulting 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 turn s, and slo
w down before making a
turn.
• Note that when making a turn, the tr ailer wheels will be closer than the
v
ehicle wheels to the inside of th e turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.
• Crosswinds and rough roads will ad v
ersely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Peri odically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If s
waying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehi cle and trailer will stabilize.
• Take care when passing other vehicl es. P
assing 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 br
aking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range position
must be in “4”, in the “S” mode.
• Due to the added load of the traile r
, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. 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 “If your vehicle
overheats” ( P.359 ).