2004-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do not
stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low, as close to
the floor as possible.
When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly
behind the front seats.
Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for pas-
sengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the navigation system screen (if equipped) or Lexus Display
Audio screen (if equipped)
Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
Load and distribution
Do not overload your vehicle.
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.
2014-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible draw
bar load before towing. (P. 562)
Towing hitch/bracket
Lexus recommends the use of the Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle.
Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality may also be
used.
To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a trailer.
Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related accidents:
driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.
Trailer towing (vehicles with a towing package)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the running
performance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of your vehicle.
Use the vehicle features in the correct manner and operate the vehicle
with care for safer driving and optimal comfort. Damage and/or malfunc-
tions that occur as a result of towing performed for commercial purposes
are not covered by the Lexus warranty.
Ask your local authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qual-
ified and equipped professional for further details before towing, as there
are additional legal requirements in some countries.
2024-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 562)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion stabilizer (sway control
device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg (55.1
lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load exceed the
indicated weight. (P. 562)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, towing hitch, total curb
mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle mass by more
than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum permis-
sible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at
high altitudes.
Important points regarding trailer loads
1
2
Ty p e ATy p e B
1
2
2054-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Tire information
Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) greater
than the recommended value when towing. (P. 570)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer
weight and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your
trailer.
Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should
not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the
load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will not be towing a load
that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capacity.
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the
traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extend-
ing arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always pro-
vide maximum visibility of the road behind.
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to nor-
mal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to cor-
rosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage.
Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a steel
bracket.
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.
4687-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width and
inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “off-
set”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following:
Wheels of different sizes or types
Used wheels
Bent wheels that have been straightened
Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with your
aluminum wheels.
When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel
nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire chains.
Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or
rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.
When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advance warn-
ing in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced,
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be installed. (P. 451)
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of han-
dling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel precautions
562
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)9-1. Specifications
*1: Unladen vehicle
*2: Vehicles with 255/35R18 tires
*3: AVE30L-AEXEHW and AVE30R-AEXEHW models
*4: AVE30L-AEXLHW and AVE30R-AEXLHW models
The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s label. (P. 563)
*5: Vehicles with a towing package
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
Overall length 4665 mm (183.7 in.)
Overall width 1810 mm (71.3 in.)
Overall height*11430 mm (56.3 in.)
Wheelbase 2800 mm (110.2 in.)
Tread*1Front 1535 mm (60.4 in.)
Rear1550 mm (61.0 in.)
1540 mm (60.6 in.)*2
Gross vehicle mass*52130 kg (4696 lb.)*3
2145 kg (4729 lb.)*4
Maximum permis-
sible axle capac-
ity
*5
Front 1090 kg (2403 lb.)
Rear 1200 kg (2646 lb.)
Drawbar load*575 kg (165 lb.)
Towing capacity*5With brake 750 kg (1653 lb.)
Without brake 750 kg (1653 lb.)