2014 Lexus IS300h Owner's Manual

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
■The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
●The BSM main switch is set to on
●Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph).
■The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when
●A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
●Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.
■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles
and/or objects:
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
●Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
●Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
●Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function may not function correctly
●The Blind Spot Monitor function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following con-
ditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle
that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection
area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the road
etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from
your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed
as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle
that enters the detection area
• Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
• When your vehicle is towing a trailer
●Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/ or
object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from your vehi-
cle enters the detection area
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle
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3064-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashing
the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for
careful driving. Driver must be careful when backing up, even when using Rear Cross-
ing Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you and your
vehicle is necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before
backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
12
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3074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster
vehicles from farther away.
Example:
■The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is operational when
●The BSM main switch is set to on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●Vehicle speed is less than approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) and 28 km/h
(18 mph).
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast28 km/h (18 mph)20 m (65 ft.)
Slow8 km/h (5 mph)5.5 m (18 ft.)
1
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3084-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
■Conditions under which the Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function will not detect a vehi-
cle
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following types of
vehicles and/or objects.
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle
*: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■Conditions under which the Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function may not function cor-
rectly
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the follow-
ing conditions:
●During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
●When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
●When multiple vehicles approach continuously
●Shallow angle parking
●When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
●When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road etc.
●Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
●When your vehicle is towing a trailer
●Directly after the hybrid system is started with the BSM main switch on
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles
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309
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)4-6. Driving tips
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (→P. 2 8 3 )
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPORT models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within the Eco area. (→P. 1 1 3 )
■When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater amount
of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
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3104-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
■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 conditioning 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 infla-
tion 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 dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
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3114-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
●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 imme-
diately 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 accumulated 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 getting 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 vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
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3124-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53C61E)
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.
XExcept 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)
XVehicles 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 driving 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
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