2012 Lexus LFA wheel

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too
heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system de tects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the vehicle’s rolling backward distance when starting on an
incline or slippery slope.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, and hill-
start assist control systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces
by controlling the brakes and engine output.
When switched to SPORT driving mode, the control characteristics of the
VDIM system are altered.
■ Active rear wing
 P. 1 7 1

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
When the ABS/VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator flashes to indi-
cate that the ABS/VSC/TRAC/
hill-start assist control systems are
operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
Disabling the VSC/TRAC systemsIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC/TRAC 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.
Press the switch to turn off VSC
and TRAC.
The VSC off indicator light and
“TRAC OFF” indicator light should
come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Hill-start assist control operation conditions
●The vehicle rolls backward.
●A forward gear is selected.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■Automatic reactivation of the VSC/TRAC systems
If the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins
to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of
these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering in put over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist control system.
Contact your Lexus dealer.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level. ( P. 366)
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling 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 to malfunction.

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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
2
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.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Dinghy towing
The LFA can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing: Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
Select Neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned off.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driving
the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Contact
the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recommended
equipment.
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