2015 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual - ES 300h, ES 350

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4
Driving
The Rear Cross 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 exist-
ence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators and sound-
ing a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehiclesDetection areas12
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 Cross 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 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.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
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 Cross 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 5 mph (8 km/h).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph
(28 km/h).
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
1

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Driving
■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function will not detect a vehi-
cle
The Rear Cross 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 Cross Traffic Alert function may not function
correctly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the follow-
ing conditions:
●When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
●During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
●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
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles

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4-6. Driving tips
Hybrid vehicle driving tips (hybrid vehicles)
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. 311)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid Sys-
tem Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 1 0 0 )
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic reports before leav-
ing and avoid delays as much as possible. When encountering a delay,
gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward
slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive gasoline consumption.
For economical and ecological drivin g, pay attention to the following
points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
When braking the vehicle
Delays

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Driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, 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
retained when slowing down.
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode. Doing so
will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner and reduce fuel con-
sumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until
the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will con-
sume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of
the heater.
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is appropriate for
the season.
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause poor
fuel consumption.
Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pressure
Luggage

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Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short
distances will cause the engine to re peatedly warm up, which can lead to
poor fuel consumption.
Warming up before driving

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Driving
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant (hybrid vehicles)
•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 front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the
size of the tires.
Carry out the necessary preparatio ns and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

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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 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 wind-
shield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated 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.
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.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle