2013 Lexus GS300h Owner's Manual

4324-6. Driving tips
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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:

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the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
control excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode.
Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner
and reduce fuel consumption 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 consume fuel. Also, 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 consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use
on dry roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is
appropriate for the season.
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack
can also cause poor fuel consumption.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeat-
edly warm up, which can lead to poor fuel consumption.

4344-6. Driving tips
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Winter driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• 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 rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driv-
ing the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner
appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

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Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. 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
accumulated 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
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 inadver-
tent sliding or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

4364-6. Driving tips
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Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the
vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires
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)
Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes and vehicles
with LDH and 19 inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on
location and type of road. Always check local regulations before
installing chains.
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains

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If heavy snow or icy condition is expected, shift the rest position
manually.
Grip the hook section of the wiper arm firmly when shifting the
wiper position.
To rest position
Raise the wiper in line with
the windshield.
You can stand the wipers up for
the rest position.
: More than 10 cm (3.9 in.)
To retract position
Lower the wipers by pressing
on the upper part of the hook
section.
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 rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front
tires.
Install tire chains on rear 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.
Shifting the windshield wiper position

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CAUTION
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
serious 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 spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.
Driving with tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size
except for the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
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
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.

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NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
Fitting tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except
for the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function cor-
rectly when tire chains are fitted.
When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. (P. 437)
Failure to do so may result in damage to the wipers and/or the hood.