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2814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
Do not overly 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 pro-
vide, 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 judgement
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data avail-
able to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has detected
directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary 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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2824-5. Using the driving support systems
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the func-
tioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function effec-
tively:
Keep the sensor and front grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become inaccu-
rate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong
impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
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281
4 4-6. Driving tips
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelera-
tor pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is
in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning
system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel econ-
omy. (P. 267)
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle of
Hybrid System Indicator within Eco area. (P. 107)
Shift lever operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When
using the N position, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In
the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the
hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceler-
ation. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (traction motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing
down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
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2824-6. Driving tips
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leav-
ing and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic
jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move for-
ward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so
can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping
at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator
and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can
be regenerated when slowing down.
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air condition-
ing system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for
the season.
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2834-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor
fuel economy.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently
driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up,
which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
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2844-6. Driving tips
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
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.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or
on the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before get-
ting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
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2854-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
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 regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear
tires.
Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains
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2864-6. Driving tips
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
Driving 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 seri-
ous injury.
Use tires of the specified size.
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified
for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Driving 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.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting oper-
ations that cause sudden engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control
is maintained.
When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move unex-
pectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicles with the tire pressure warning sys-
tem)
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional 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.
Fitting tire chains (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.