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323
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Hybrid vehicle driving tips (hybrid vehicles)
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in
normal conditions. In addi tion, the operation of the air conditioning system
(heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy.
( P. 2 9 6 )
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid Sys-
tem Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 9 6 )
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and deceleration , as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel consumpti on. Check traffic reports before leav-
ing and avoid delays as much as possible. When encountering a delay,
gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward
slightly while avoi ding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive gasoline consumption.
For economical and ecological drivin g, pay attention to the following
points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
When braking the vehicle
Delays
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324
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before stopping
at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and
gently apply the brakes. A greater am ount of electrical energy can be
retained when slowing down.
Use the air conditioning only when ne cessary. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use th e recirculated air mode. Doing so
will help to reduce the burden on th e air conditioner and reduce fuel con-
sumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until
the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will con-
sume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of
the heater.
Make sure to check the tire inflati on pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large am ounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel consumptio n. Use a tire that is appropriate for
the season.
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a la rge roof rack can also cause poor
fuel consumption.
Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pressure
Luggage
Page 327 of 908

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
3274-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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 wind-
shield.
●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 bo ttom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
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 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 inadvertent sliding or
creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Page 661 of 908
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
6616-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Ve h i c l e i n t e r i o r
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal
• The accelerator pedal should movesmoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-
nism (gasoline vehicles)/Hybrid trans-
mission “Park” mechanism (hybrid
vehicles)• When parked on a slope and the shiftlever is in P, is the vehicle securely
stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal movesmoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropri- ate clearance from the floor? ( P. 8 3 4 )
• Does the brake pedal have the cor- rect amount of free play? ( P. 8 3 4 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are
applied.
Page 742 of 908
7427-1. Essential information
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
CAUTION
■If the engine has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the brake pedal
harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as
possible before turning off the engine .
Page 744 of 908
7447-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
Gasoline vehicles: If a tow truck is
not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed
using a cable or chain secured to
the emergency towing eyelet. This
should only be attempted on hard
surfaced roads for short distances
at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steeri ng and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Hybrid vehicles: If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehi-
cle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emer-
gency towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steeri ng and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Emergency towing
Page 748 of 908

7487-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving ma neuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain. Always be cautious of the
surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●Gasoline vehicles: If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
Hybrid vehicles: If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyel et is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could
be damaged while being towed.
■To prevent body damage when to wing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
Page 758 of 908

7587-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
CAUTION
■If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold firmly and
operate using more force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change
it with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.