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.
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
3124-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 inadvertent sliding or
creeping.
Except vehicles with 18-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 18-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires.
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.
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 driv-
ing 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains
3134-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 seri-
ous 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 specified
for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Driving with tire chains (except vehicles with 18-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 oper-
ations that cause sudden engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control
is maintained.
Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert) system.
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate
tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
Fitting tire chains (except vehicles with 18-inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
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)
4507-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Wo r n t r e a d
The location of treadwear indicators
is shown by the “TWI” or “”
marks, etc., molded on the sidewall
of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and pres-
sure if not rotated.
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus recommends that
tire rotation is carried out approximately every 10000 km (6000 miles).
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure warning system after tire rotation.
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and
treadwear.
Checking tires
1
2
3
Tire rotation
Vehicles with front and rear tires
of the same sizeVehicles with front and rear
tires of differing sizes
FrontFront