Page 324 of 628

3114-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•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 the 18-inch tires.
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
windshield.
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 bottom of your shoes before get-
ting 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.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
Page 439 of 628
425
7Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 426
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 430
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ................... 433
7-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions...................... 435
Hood ................................. 437
Positioning a floor jack ..... 438
Engine compartment ......... 439
12-volt battery................... 447
Tires .................................. 450
Replacing the tire .............. 460
Tire inflation pressure ....... 466
Wheels .............................. 468
Air conditioning filter ....... 470
Electronic key battery ....... 472
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 475
Light bulbs ........................ 479
Page 448 of 628

4347-2. Maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recom-
mends that maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and
repairs be carried out by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qual-
ified and equipped professionals. For repairs and services covered by your war-
ranty, please visit an authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine
Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be
advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty
repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and
economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that
indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condition-
ing system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked imme-
diately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches
the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (P. 110)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possi-
ble. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling.
(P. 447)
Page 454 of 628
4407-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and
turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may
differ depending on the type of
vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6
Page 455 of 628
4417-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selectionP. 5 6 5
Oil quantity (Low Full) 1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3
Page 457 of 628

4437-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Used engine oil
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause
skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care should be taken
to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
When replacing the engine oil
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
Page 459 of 628

4457-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35C [-31F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for leaks
in the cooling system.
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps or water
filler cap. (P. 558)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap
is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion pro-
tection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
Page 460 of 628

4467-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Check the radiators and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
Radiators and condenser
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious
injuries, such as burns.
Washer fluid
CAUTION
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as washer
fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.