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
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.
4076-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys (vehicles with driving
position memory)
Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic key and turning the power switch to
ON mode will recall that key’s registered air conditioning settings.
When the power switch is turned off, the current air conditioning settings will
automatically be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the
vehicle.
The system may not operate correctly if more than one electronic key is in the
vicinity or if the smart entry & start system is used to unlock a passenger door.
The doors that can recall the air conditioning setting when unlocked using the
smart entry & start system can be changed.* For details, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
*: The doors that can recall the driving position memory are changed at the same
time.
Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and the
ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed or “AUTO” is selected.
Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning
(“A/C”) on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
If you turn (“A/C”) off, the windows may fog up more easily.
The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/
recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling opera-
tion, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effec-
tively.
Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside temperature.
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to priori-
tize fuel efficiency:
Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
Adjust the fan speed
Turn off Eco drive mode
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
4287-1. Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is
touched by hand
When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
If something bumps against the windshield
If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into the
raindrop sensor
Precautions regarding the exhaust pipes
Exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipes until they have
cooled sufficiently, as touching hot exhaust pipes can cause burns.
Precaution regarding the rear bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (if equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may mal-
function. If this occurs, consult any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Set the wipers to the intermittent wind-
shield wipers. (P. 238)
If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may
operate unexpectedly in the following situ-
ations, and may result in hands being
caught or other serious injuries and cause
damage to the wiper blades.
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)
4367-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” on the multi-infor-
mation display and the “READY” indicator are both off.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive
belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust mani-
fold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also
be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are
flammable.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected
area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is
high. (P. 446)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear
or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.