2013 Lexus GS300h ESP

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

4044-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving
may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light
flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

4074-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a
frontal collision, the operation of AVS (P. 398) optimally con-
trols the damping force of the shock absorber.
Steering control (if equipped)
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is
operated, the steering angles of the front and rear wheels and the
heaviness of the steering wheel are controlled by LDH, thus
heightening responsiveness in response to the steering operation.
Driver monitor system (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a colli-
sion, and either the driver is not facing forward or the driver’s
eyes are closed, PCS warnings are given in advance to warn the
driver. If the system determines that the conditions to operate
pre-crash alert braking have been met even when the possibility
of a collision increases further, pre-crash alert braking will oper-
ate.

4234-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Handling the radar sensor
Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may
malfunction and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be
detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected 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 or surrounding area on
the bumper.
Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is
installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively.
Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor can function cor-
rectly.

4254-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
The BSM main switch is set to on
Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph).
The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when
A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.
Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a
vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following
types of vehicles and/or objects:
Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
CAUTION
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts
the driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on
the Blind Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to
change lanes, therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

4274-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in
reverse. It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or
left rear of the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the
other vehicle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view
mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function (if equipped)
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
CAUTION
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a
replacement for careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing
up, even when using the Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function. The driver’s
own visual confirmation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and
be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before backing up. Fail-
ure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
12

4284-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can
alert for faster vehicles from farther away.
Example:
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is operational when
The BSM main switch is set to on.
The shift lever is in R.
Vehicle speed is less than approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) and 28
km/h (18 mph).
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast28 km/h (18 mph)20 m (65 ft.)
Slow8 km/h (5 mph)5.5 m (18 ft.)
1