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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●Reversing with a trailer attached 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 yo ur hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer
attached.) Avoid sharp or prolon ged turning. Have someone guide
you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
● 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, 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 turn s, and slow down before making
turns.
● Note that when making a turn, the tr ailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of th e turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will ad versely 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 swaying 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 vehi cles. Passing 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 eng ine braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range position
must be in 4.
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![LEXUS LX470 2007 Owners Manual 168
2-5. Driving information
●Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85
F[30C] when driving up a long
or steep grade. If LEXUS LX470 2007 Owners Manual 168
2-5. Driving information
●Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85
F[30C] when driving up a long
or steep grade. If](/manual-img/36/58005/w960_58005-185.png)
168
2-5. Driving information
●Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85
F[30C] when driving up a long
or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off th e air conditioning (if in use), pull
your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (
P. 363)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the pa rking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the “P” position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, or “R” position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and br ake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4
STEP1STEP5STEP5
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4
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169
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. A instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently.
This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery• Maintenance-free (P. 2 8 8 )
Brake fluid• At the correct level? ( P. 2 8 4 )
Engine coolant• At the correct level? ( P. 2 8 2 )
Engine oil• At the correct level? ( P. 2 7 7 )
Exhaust system• No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid• At the correct level? (P. 2 8 6 )
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 2 8 3 )
Suspension fluid• At the correct level? ( P. 2 8 7 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d• At the correct level? ( P. 2 9 1 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.
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268
4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
“P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?
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4
Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Battery condition (P. 2 8 8)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Blade type fuses ( P. 3 1 1 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Brake fluid level ( P. 2 8 4 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake
fluid)
Cartridge type fuses ( P. 3 1 1 )
• Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent
with same amperage rating as orig-
inal
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Engine oil filler cap(P. 2 7 8 )
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 277)
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 2 8 4 )
Fuse box ( P. 311)
Battery ( P. 2 8 8 )Washer fluid tank
(P. 2 9 1 )
Condenser ( P. 283)
Radiator ( P. 283)
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 2 8 2 )
Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 2 8 6 )
Suspension fluid reservoir (P. 2 8 7 )
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.