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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
Do not rely on the pre-crash safety system. Always drive safely, taking care
to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road
hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is
intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of
LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system
can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in
front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism
that allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can
assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the
driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has
detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there
is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable
of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop
safely. For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver
must take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all
involved.
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2
When driving
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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
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
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item
may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the ped-
als from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the
driver or passengers, causing an accident.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray
• Instrument panel
• Dashboard
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure
someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
Take notice of the following information 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 level. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
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2-5. Driving information
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Selecting tire chains
Tire chains can be mounted on 16- and 17-inch tires. They cannot
be mounted on 18-inch tires. Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to
location and type of road. Always check local regulations before
installing chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed
suitable to road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic
transmission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting
the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, prevent-
ing it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EEImportant points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check
behind when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such
vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehi-
cle straight ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 (manual transmission) or 4 range in S
mode (automatic transmission) to maintain the effectiveness of
the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical com-
ponents.
If the engine overheats...
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If
the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 525)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever
to P for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual trans-
missions.
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2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
To avoid accident or injury
Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.
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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the highest possible condition, Lexus
recommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in
repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages
in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs
and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional service department will perform all of the scheduled maintenance
on your vehicle - reliably and economically due to their experience with
Lexus vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monox-
ide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire
wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery.
Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 415)
CAUTION
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in the eyes.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
IS250/220d/200d_EE
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due
to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.