2014 LEXUS RX270 brakes

280
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
Pre-Crash Safety system∗
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision, the pre-
crash safety system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
■Pre-crash seat belts (front seat belts only)
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or loses
control of the vehicle. (→P. 9 0 )
However, the system will not operate in the event of skidding when the
VSC system is disabled.
■Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed. The system may not warn the driver using a warning light,
warning display and buzzer when the system detects and judges braking
operations.
■Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the system
determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically
applied to reduce the collision speed. Pre-crash braking can be disabled
using the pre-crash braking off switch.
∗: If equipped
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 280 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

283
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
●When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When climbing a steep hill causes an overhead billboard or other metallic struc-
ture to appear directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
●When passing through certain toll gates
●When driving on a bridge
●When passing through a tunnel
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten it.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be
occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 283 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

288
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations:
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
●Vehicles that cut in suddenly
●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function effec-
tively:
●Keep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become inaccurate
or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille or surrounding area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 288 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

291
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE●Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
●Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 291 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

296
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
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.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. 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
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.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 296 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

308
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than
the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns
wider than you would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
■Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 range in S mode to maintain the effectiveness
of the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical compo-
nents.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (→P. 5 9 8 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 308 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

536
5-1. Essential information
RX350/270_EE
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads for 80 km
(50 miles) at under 30 km/h (18 mph).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Installing towing eyelets
Take out the towing eyelet. (→P. 5 7 2 )
Type A
Insert the mechanical key (→P.
27) into the groove and release
the claws. With the mechanical key
inserted, remove the eyelet cover
by pulling it towards you.
Type B
Insert the mechanical key (→P.
27) into the groove and release
the claws. With the mechanical key
inserted, remove the eyelet cover
by pulling it towards you.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP2
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 536 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

538
5-1. Essential information
RX350/270_EESecurely attach a cable or chain to the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
Enter the vehicle being towed and start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to
IGNITION ON mode.
For models with electronically modulated air suspension: Change
the vehicle height to “N” mode and end the vehicle height opera-
tion. (
→P. 2 5 6 )
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: →P. 589
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in the luggage compartment. (→P. 5 7 2 )
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP8
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 538 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分