2013 Lexus GS300h brakes

3364-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
When the radar sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (P. 308) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not
function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the radar sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the
trunk etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

3584-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Lexus parking assist-sensor display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system, is in use,
the warning indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the dis-
play setting has been set to off.
Sensor detection information
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s
bumpers.
Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where
this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve
this problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the
vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer
than they are.

3974-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied sud-
denly, 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 detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the
vehicle speed and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving situa-
tions. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary
and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

3984-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of
the vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehi-
cle in accordance with steering wheel movement
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock
absorbers for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driv-
ing conditions, this system helps riding comfort with superior
steering stability, and helps good vehicle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select
switch, the damping force is suitable for sporty driving (P.
394)
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Con-
tributes to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness
at medium speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear wheels in accordance with the
steering wheel operation and vehicle speed
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output,
steering assist, and steering ratio and rear wheel angle

3994-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 406
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automati-
cally flash to alert the vehicle behind

4064-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)
Pre-crash seat belts (front seat only)
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the colli-
sion occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking
or loses control of the vehicle. (P. 40)
Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the
brake pedal is depressed.
Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning light, warning display and
buzzer. If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable,
the brakes are automatically applied to reduce the collision
speed.

: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision,
the pre-crash safety system such as the brakes and seat belts are
automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-crash safety system can be turned on and off as necessary
by operating the switch. (P. 408)

4114-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Pre-crash alert braking:
• The system determines that the driver is not facing forward, or that the
driver’s eyes are closed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the vehicle running
ahead of you is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The steering is not being turned.
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a collision
When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
When driving over a narrow iron bridge
When there is a metal object on the road surface
When driving on an uneven road surface
When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn (left-hand drive vehicles)
or right-turn (right-hand drive vehicles)
When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
When climbing a steep hill causes an overhead billboard or other metallic
structure to appear directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a
possibility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be
applied with a force greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the
retracted position, stop the vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and
refasten it.
Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.

4324-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
Using Eco drive mode
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 addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be min-
imized, improving the fuel economy. (P. 392)
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of
Hybrid System Indicator within Eco area. (P. 126)
When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing
down.
Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic
reports before leaving 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 avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive
gasoline consumption.
Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points: