2015 LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual

3214-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function operates 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 existence through
flashing the BSM outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas1 2
WA R N I N G ■
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 care-
ful driving. Driver must be careful when ba cking up, even when us ing 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.

322 4-5. Using the driving support systems
NX300h_U_OM78007U 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). ■
Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffi c Alert function will not detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is no t 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 vehi cles 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.The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicle Speed Approximate
alert distance
Fast 18 mph (28 km/h) 65 ft. (20 m)
Slow 5 mph (8 km/h) 18 ft. (5.5 m) 1

3234-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U ■
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 following
conditions: ●
During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc. ●
When ice or mud, etc., is attached to the rear bumper ●
When multiple vehicles approach continuously ●
Shallow angle parking ●
When a vehicle is approaching at high speed ●
When parking on a steep incline, su ch as hills, a dip in the road, etc.●
Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on ●
Directly after the hybrid system is started with the BSM main switch on ●
Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles

324 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007UHybrid vehicle driving tips ◆ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torq ue corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (  P. 3 0 3 )
◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. (  P. 100)
◆ Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ●
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) wi thout having to use gasoline engine
power. ●
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆ When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3254-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U ◆ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When drivin g in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆ Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. 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 regenerated
when slowing down.
◆ 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 th e 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. Also, fuel con-
sumption 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 amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.
◆ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will 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 repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

326 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007UWinter driving tips ●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• 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 same size and br and, and that chains match the size of the
tires.
* : Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 225/60R18 tires.
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 imme-
diately 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.Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

3274-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U 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 and block the wheel under the
vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up,
preventing it from being released. When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. (  P. 2 1 3 )●
If the vehicle is left parked with the br akes damp in cold temperatures, there is
a possibility of the brakes freezing.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size. 
Vehicles with 225/65R17 tires
Side chain:
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Cross chain:
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length 
Vehicles with 225/60R18 tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 225/60R18 tires. Snow tires should be
use instead.
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
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains 1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains

328 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007U ■
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en 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 tightl y as possible. Retighten chains after driving
1/4 -1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km). ●
Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire chains.
WA R N I N G ■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of ve hicle control and cause death or serious injury.●
Use tires of the specified size. ●
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of 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
30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, ab rupt steering, sudden bra king and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking. ●
Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained. ●
Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) (if equipped). ■
When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to chock the
wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move unexpectedly, possibly
resulting in an accident.