2984-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively 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 condi-
tions
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 fol-
lowing 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 slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-
start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an
accident.
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 conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
3104-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air condition-
ing system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
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 economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for
the season.
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause poor
fuel economy.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently
driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up,
which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
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
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)
435
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition (P.
447)•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con-
trol unit coolant
level (P. 444)
• “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 pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(P. 440)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 475)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(P. 479)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screw-
driver• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiators and con-
denser (P. 446)
Tire inflation pres-
sure (P. 466)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 446)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter
use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
4517-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pres-
sure before serious problems arise.
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a warning light. (P. 509)
Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed,
new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer
and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire
pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes registered by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional. (P. 452)
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following
circumstances:
When rotating the tires.
When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing
traveling speed or load weight.
When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system
4527-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (P. 570)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pres-
sure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pres-
sure level.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the
tire pressure warning light
blinks slowly 3 times.
Wait for a few minutes with the power switch in ON mode and then
turn the power switch off.
Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code
registered by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
1
2
3
4
5
4537-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fab-
ric, and bulges indicating internal damage
A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or loca-
tion of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional.
Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about
10 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to
indicate a system malfunction.
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has
seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure
checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily
vehicle checks.
Low profile tires (except 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will
be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure
to use snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at
a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires. Snow tires should be used
instead.
If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.