
3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always dr ive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. 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 specif ied size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRC 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 the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

3214-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■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.

441
7Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior................. 442
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior.................. 446
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements............................. 449
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions..................................451
Hood ............................................... 453
Positioning a floor jack............. 454
Engine compartment ............... 455
12-volt battery ............................. 463
Tires.................................................. 466
Replacing the tire ........................ 476
Tire inflation pressure ............... 482
Wheels ........................................... 484
Air conditioning filter ............... 486
Electronic key battery ..............488
Checking and replacing fuses................................................491
Light bulbs..................................... 495

4507-2. Maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you
may encounter. There can also be advantag es in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be
able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive
with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( →P. 1 0 9 )
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipp ed professional as soon as possible. Your
vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling.
( → P. 4 6 3 )

451
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery con-
dition (
→P. 4 6 3 )•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con-
trol unit coolant level
(→ P. 4 6 0 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite
and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(→ P. 4 5 6 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 4 9 1 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 4 9 5 )
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiators and con-
denser ( →P. 4 6 2 )
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( →P. 4 8 2 )• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
(→ P. 4 6 2 )• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4687-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise.
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is warned by a
warning light. ( →P. 5 2 3 )
◆Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pr essure warning valves and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional. ( →P. 4 6 9 )
◆Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances:
●When rotating the tires.
●When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed or load weight.
●When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system

4697-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■How to initialize the tire pressure warning systemPark the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.
Initialization cannot be performe d while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. (→P. 5 8 6 )
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly 3 times.
Wait for a few minutes with the power switch in ON mode and then turn
the power switch off.
◆Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure wa rning valve and transmitter, it is nec-
essary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
1
2
3
4
5

4707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, and
bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of
a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qual-
ified and equipped professional.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire
pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 10 minutes, the
tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunc-
tion.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom
or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks.
Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.
■Low profile tires (except 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to use
snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appro-
priate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires. Snow tires should be used instead.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tire s as snow tires is lost.