2014 LEXUS RX270 wheel

276
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. 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 help 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 same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS 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 suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system malfunction.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 276 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

277
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
■All-wheel drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 40
km/h (25 mph).
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible in
accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels all-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the active torque
control 4WD system to normal
mode. (→P. 2 7 1 )
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 277 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

292
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case (AWD
models), reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 292 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

297
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.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 297 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

298
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
■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.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 298 ページ ２０１４年１月２４日　金曜日　午前１０時４分

307
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer cou-
pled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steer-
ing wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left
or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to
prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when reversing to
lessen the risk of an accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause
skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This is espe-
cially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
RX350_270_EE_48D77E.book 307 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