Page 229 of 1014

2264-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to
D.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
When starting off on a uphill
The brake hold is available. (P. 269)
Driving in the rain
Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is rec-
ommended:
For the first 300 km (186 miles):
Avoid sudden stops.
For the first 800 km (500 miles):
Do not tow a trailer.
For the first 1000 km (621 miles):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
Starting off on a steep uphill
1
2
3
Page 232 of 1014

2294-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When driving the vehicle
During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the
hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking
control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make
it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way: P. 8 2 1
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (P. 256)
Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.
Page 236 of 1014

2334-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or
fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked
in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious health hazard.
When braking
When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
If the electronically controlled brake system does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require brak-
ing.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if
one of the systems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the
brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking
distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Page 248 of 1014

2454-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out
of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind
when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle
movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by
slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information
Page 279 of 1014
2734-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a
steep incline. In this situation, it may be necessary for the driver to apply
the brakes. The multi-information display will inform the driver of this situ-
ation.
Page 280 of 1014

2744-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the
brakes
The parking brake will not be released automatically. Release the parking
brake by operating the parking brake switch, making sure that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. (P. 269)
When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (P. 832, 843)
CAUTION
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline exercise caution. The
brake hold function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation.
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires
has been exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for
a long period of time. Turning the power switch off while the system is
holding the brake may release the brake, which would cause the vehicle to
move. When operating the power switch, depress the brake pedal, set the
parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
Page 310 of 1014
2994-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed
is obtained.
Increases the speed
Decreases the speed
Fine adjustment: Momentarily
move the lever in the desired direc-
tion.
Large adjustment: Hold the lever
in the desired direction.
The set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:
Fine adjustment: By approximately 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time the lever
is operated.
Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased continually
until the lever is released.
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.
Pushing the lever up resumes
the constant speed control.
Resuming is available when the
vehicle speed is more than approx-
imately 40 km/h (25 mph).
Adjusting the set speed
1
2
Canceling and resuming the constant speed control
1
2
Page 317 of 1014
3064-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the cruise control.
The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.
Pushing the lever up resumes
the cruise control and returns
vehicle speed to the set speed.
Resuming is available when the
vehicle speed is more than approx-
imately 40 km/h (25 mph).
Canceling and resuming the speed control
1
2