2012 Lexus LFA lexus LFA 2012 Owner's Manual / LEXUS 2012 LFA OWNERS MANUAL (OM77006U)

175
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Start-off acceleration
Start-off acceleration depends on how much the accelerator pedal is depressed.
■Usage restrictions
●Launch control cannot be set if the total mileage shown on the odometer is less
than 310 miles (500 km).
●Launch control cannot be set until the engine and transmission are fully warmed
up. Before using launch control, warm up the vehicle by driving it.
●Launch control cannot be set if there is a malfunction in the engine, transmis-
sion, drive control system or other relevant systems.
●As launch control places a significant load on the vehicle's mechanisms, it can-
not be used two or more times in succes sion. After using launch control, cruise
at a normal speed for approximately 10 minutes to allow vehicle mechanisms to
cool down.
●To protect the systems, the number of times that launch control can be used is
limited. To check how many times launch control has been used on your vehicle,
contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Launch control precautions
●Do not use on public roads.
●Use only when road and ambient conditions are safe.
●Before use, ensure that no people or obstructions are nearby.
●Proper use of launch control requires a professional level of driving skill. When
driving, always check track conditions and the surrounding area.
NOTICE
■To prevent system damage
●Always follow the correct operation procedures as described in this manual.
●Only use launch control on dry, paved ro ad surfaces, as slippery or loose road
surfaces may cause damage to the vehicle's mechanisms.

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2-5.Driving information
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 possi-
ble.
● 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.
Capacity and distribution
Cargo 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 th e 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.
(4)The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, 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 no t safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will betransferred to your vehicle. Consul t this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.
Example based on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 1 person with the weight of 176 lb. (80 kg) is riding in your vehicle,
which has a total load capacity of 34 5 lb. (155 kg), the available amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
345 lb. — 176 lb. = 169 lb. (155 kg —80 kg = 75 kg)
In this condition, if 1 more occupant wi th the weight of 154 lb. (70 kg) gets on,
the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as follows:
169 lb. — 154 lb. = 15 lb. (75 kg — 70 kg = 5 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load equaling the weight of the occupant who got
on later, by an amount. In other wo rds, if an increase in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight
of occupants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo
and luggage on your vehicle.

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the lugga ge compartment whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passenger, caus-
ing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the passenger seat (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for
passengers. The passenger should ride in th e seat with the seat belt properly fas-
tened. Otherwise, the passenger is much more likely to suffer death or serious
bodily injury, in the event of sudden br aking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●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.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing capac-
ity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 345 lb. (155 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.
■Seating capacity: 2 occupants
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the
number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on th e tire and loading information label.
(  P. 2 7 7 )
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.

180
2-5. Driving information
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 pre-
vailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
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 accumu lated 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.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and driv e at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
■Tire grip at low temperatures
The tires fitted to the LFA are designed for dry road conditions. As such, tire grip on
cold, snowy and/or icy roads will be reduced compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed
appropriate for road and weather conditions.
■Engine starting restrictions
In order to protect the engine, the engine may not start when the engine coolant
temperature or engine oil temperature is below -13 F (-25C). In that case, a
buzzer will sound and “Temp low Engine cannot be started” will be shown on the
meter. ( P. 3 2 7 )
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
NOTICE
■Driving with tire chains
Do not fit tire chains. Tire chains may da mage the vehicle body and suspension, and
adversely affect driving performance.
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

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2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. The LFA is not designed for trailer tow-
ing or for the use of to w hitch mounted carriers.