2012 Lexus GX460 Owner's Manual

351
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
CAUTION
■Handling the driver monitor sensor (vehicles with driver monitor sensor)
Observe the following to ensure the driver monitor sensor can function effectively.
Failure to do so may result in a malfunction or may prevent the system from cor-
rectly determining the direction the driver is facing, resulting in an unexpected acci-
dent.
●Do not disassemble, damage, lift or pull on the sensor.
●Do not touch the sensor while driving.
●Do not wet or spill water on the sensor.
●Do not drop anything on or allow anything to hit against the sensor. Do not sub-
ject the sensor to an impact.
●Make sure that there are no scratches, dirt or stickers on the side of the sensor
that faces the driver.
●Do not place any objects in front of the side of the sensor that faces the driver or
cover the sensor.
■Determining the direction the driver is facing (vehicles with driver monitor sen-
sor)
The direction the driver is facing may not be determined correctly if the following
conditions exist:
●There is an object between the driver monitor sensor and the driver’s face, such
as when the sensor is blocked.
●A part of the driver’s face is covered.
●The sensor or the driver’s face is exposed to intense light such as sunlight.
●The driving posture is improper.

352
2-4. Using other driving systems
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
NOTICE
■Precautions for cleaning the driver monitor sensor (vehicles with driver monitor
sensor)
●Gently wipe the sensor with a soft cloth to prevent damage.
●Wipe any excess dirt with a cloth dampened with neutral detergent, all liquids
having been wrung out of the cloth. After that, wipe again with a dry cloth.
●Do not use benzene, thinner, glass cleaners, wax, etc.

353
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
Off-road vehicle features● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passen-
ger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at
excessive speeds may cause the vehicle to rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground
clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of grav-
ity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applica-
tions.

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2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
CAUTION
■Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should fasten
their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
●Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle roll-
over causing death or serious injury.
●Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle
gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or
abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
●Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of
gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
●Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down
is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways
much more easily than forward or backward.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Off-road drivingWhen driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following precau-
tions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the closure of
areas to off-road vehicles:
● Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted
to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering pri-
vate property.
● Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
■Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult
the following organizations:
●State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
●State Motor Vehicle Bureau
●Recreational Vehicle Clubs
●U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

356
2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
●Do 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.
●Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on 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.
●When 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.

357
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
●Water 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.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and
avoid deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may
affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.

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2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage evenly
within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.