2008 Lexus GS350 Using the audio system / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A87U)

193
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
●Keep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a so ft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact. 
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area are subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by a Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille.
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to observe
your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards.

194
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (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.
Take notice of the following informat ion about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be sure all
items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle leve l. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

195
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicl e, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 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. Co nsult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. ( P. 1 9 8 )
Lexus does not recommend towing a tra iler with your vehicle. Your vehicle
is not designed for trailer towing.

196
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Example on your vehicleCargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are riding
in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 815 lb. (370 kg), the
available amount of cargo and luggag e load capacity will be as follows:
815 lb. — 366 lb. = 449 lb. (370 kg —166 kg = 204 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of 388 lb.
(176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as fol-
lows:
449 lb. — 388 lb. = 61 lb. (204 kg — 176 kg = 28 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight of the occu-
pants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an increase in the
number of occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (com-
bined weight of occupants plus car go and luggage load), you must
reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

197
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
●Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback. 
Such items may be thrown about and possib ly injure people in the vehicle during
sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not drive with objects on top of the instrument panel. 
They may interfere with the driver’s field of view or move during sharp accelera-
tion or turning, thus impairing the driver ’s control of the vehicle. In an accident
they may injure the vehicle occupants.
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during an accident or sudden braking.
■Weight of the load
●Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control result-
ing in an accident which may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

198
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. 
(  P. 4 3 1 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 815 lb. (370 kg)
Total load capacity means the comb ined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximu m number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity, do
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity ma y increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow 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.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent 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 accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

200
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Alwa ys check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake ma y freeze up, preventing it from
being released.