2014 LEXUS RX270 Owners Manual

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Selecting tire chains
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
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
11 mm (0.43 in.) in width
Cross chain
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■When driving 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.
■When parking the vehicle
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 inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.
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2-5. Driving information
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■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 front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front 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.
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 serious
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
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 opera-
tions that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
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RX350/270_EE
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicles with tire pressure warning system)
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 (vehicles with tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
Trailer towing (RX350)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the running per-
formance, 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 malfunctions
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 quali-
fied and equipped professional for further details before towing, as there
are additional legal requirements in some countries.
■Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (→P. 606)
■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.
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RX350/270_EE
Important points regarding trailer loads
■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. 6 0 6 )
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction stabilizer (sway
control device).
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight, we
recommended the use of a friction
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. 6 0 6 )
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Type A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
Type B
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
■Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, 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 dan-
gerous.
■Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible 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.
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
Vehicles without electronically modulated air suspension
528 mm (20.8 in.)
567.4 mm (22.3 in.)
1107 mm (43.6 in.)
352 mm (13.9 in.)
363 mm (14.3 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
467 mm (18.4 in.)
596 mm (23.5 in.)
25.5 mm (1.0 in.)
59 mm (2.3 in.)
81 mm (3.2 in.)
235/60R18 tires
359 mm (14.1 in.)
235/55R19 tires
357 mm (14.1 in.)
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EEVehicles with electronically modulated air suspension
530 mm (20.9 in.)
567.4 mm (22.3 in.)
1107 mm (43.6 in.)
390 mm (15.4 in.)
400 mm (15.7 in.)
500 mm (19.7 in.)
505 mm (19.9 in.)
635 mm (25.0 in.)
5 mm (0.20 in.)
59 mm (2.3 in.)
81 mm (3.2 in.)
235/60R18 tires
“LO” mode:
416 mm (16.4 in.)
“N” mode:
415 mm (16.3 in.)
“HI” mode:
445 mm (17.5 in.)
235/55R19 tires
“LO” mode:
418 mm (16.5 in.)
“N” mode:
418 mm (16.5 in.)
“HI” mode:
448 mm (17.6 in.)
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