2011 LEXUS RX350 wheel

233
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
nTurning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
nTurning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

236
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
nWhen the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
nWhen the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
nReplacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed
on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
nHandling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system malfunction.

237
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
nAll-wheel drive lock mode
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible in
accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels all-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the active torque
control 4WD system to normal
mode. (→P. 2 3 1 )

247
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nOff-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
lDrive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
lDo not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
lAlways check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
lAfter driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
lWhen driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
nTo prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
lWater entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
lWater entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
lWater can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

255
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
0.43 in. (10.8 mm) in width
Cross chain:
0.15 in. (3.9 mm) in diameter
1.00 in. (25.3 mm) in length
0.54 in. (13.8 mm) in width
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
nWhen driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to the
road conditions.
nWhen parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.

256
2-5. Driving information
nTire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
lInstall and remove tire chains in a safe location.
lInstall tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
lInstall the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1 /4 ⎯ 1/2 mile (0.5 ⎯ 1.0 km).
lInstall tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
CAUTION
nDriving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
lUse tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
lMaintain the recommended level of air pressure.
lDo not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
lUse snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
nDriving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
lDo not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
lAvoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
lAvoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
lSlow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.

264
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
lBefore starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
lPractice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
lReversing 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 your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer
attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
lAs stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
lAvoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss
of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
lAvoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
turns.
lNote that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.

265
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
lCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Periodically 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 vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
lTake care when passing other vehicles. 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.
lIn order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a long
steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range posi-
tion must be in 4 in S mode.
lDue to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (→P. 587)
lAlways place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking 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 place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
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