2015 LEXUS RX450h Owners Manual

2892-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving ●
Instances of the Blind Sp ot Monitor unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or
object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall
etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following
vehicle.
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from your
vehicle enters the detection area■
The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult
to see.■
When there is a malfunction in the system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, warning
message is displayed: (  P. 74 3 )●
There is a malfunction with the sensors●
The sensors have become dirty●
The outside temperature is extremely high or low●
The sensor voltage has become abnormal■
Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
FCC ID: OAYSRR2A
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

2902-4. Using other driving systems
For vehicles sold in Canada
Applicable law : Canada 310
This device complies with Industry Cana da licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Oper-
ation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Frequency bands : 24.05 - 24.25GHz
Output power : less than 20 milliwatts
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 Blind Spot Monitor is a supplementary system which alerts the driver that a
vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot Monitor. The
system cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, therefore over reliance could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious injury. According to conditions, the system
may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety
is necessary.

2912-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving CAUTION■
Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor is installed inside the left and right side of the vehicle rear
bumper respectively. Observe the followin g to ensure the Blind Spot Monitor can
function correctly.
●
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction and
vehicles that enter the detection area ma y not be detected. If the sensor or sur-
rounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area inspected by
your Lexus dealer.●
Do not disassemble the sensor.●
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on the
bumper.●
Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.●
Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper. ●
Keep the sensor and its surrounding area
on the bumper clean at all times.

2922-5. Driving information
Utility vehicle precautions Utility vehicle feature
● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollov er. And, utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passen-
ger cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform sat-
isfactorily under off-road condit ions. Therefore, sharp turns at
excessive speeds may cause rollover. CAUTION■
Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle: ●
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should fasten
their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.●
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle roll-
over causing death or serious injury.
●
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle
gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or
abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.This vehicle belongs to the utilit y vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.

2932-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Off-road driving
Your vehicle is not designed to be dr iven off-road. However, in the event
that off-road driving cannot be av oided, please observe the following
precautions to help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.
● Drive your vehicle only in areas wh ere off-road vehicles are permitted
to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owne r’s permission before entering pri-
vate property.
● Do not enter areas that are closed . Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When conditions are w et, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
● Avoid driving on very steep, slippery roads and other surfaces, such as
sand, where the tires are liable to lose traction . Your vehicle may not
perform as well as conventional AWD on-road vehicles on these sur-
faces. CAUTION●
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of
gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.●
Do not drive horizontally across steep slop es. Driving straight up or straight down
is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways
much more easily than forward or backward.

2942-5. Driving information
■
Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult
the following organizations. ●
State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments●
State Motor Vehicle Bureau●
Recreational Vehicle Clubs●
U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
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 wh en 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 te rrain, 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.

2952-5. Driving information
2
When driving NOTICE■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid bat-
tery, hybrid system or other components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under
the rear seats to short circuit.●
Water entering the hybrid transmission will cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not be driv-
able.●
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, 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 riverbed 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. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warra nty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Schedul ed Maintenance”.

2962-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of th e driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your ve hicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400  750 (5  150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may no t safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.