Page 352 of 620

3524-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
◆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 driving 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 constant 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 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. 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 amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.
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3544-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Winter 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 rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19 inch 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.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
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3554-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
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.
XVehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the vehicles with
LDH and 19 inch tires
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)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
XVehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes and vehicles with LDH and
19 inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used 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
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Page 356 of 620
3564-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
If heavy snow or icy condition is expected, shift the rest position manually.
Grip the hook section of the wiper arm firmly when shifting the wiper position.
■To r e s t p o s i t i o n
Raise the wiper in line with the wind-
shield.
You can stand the wipers up for the
rest position.
★: More than 10 cm (3.9 in.)
■To retract position
Lower the wipers by pressing on the
upper part of the hook section.
■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 rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 0.5
1.0 km (1 /4 1 /2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Shifting the windshield wiper position
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3574-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
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 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 (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for
the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
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 steeri ng, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
●Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system. (if equipped)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the
vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.
■When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. (→P. 3 5 6 )
Failure to do so may result in damage to the wipers and/or the hood.
Page 405 of 620
405
6Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior.................406
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior................... 410
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements...............................413
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions................................. 415
Hood ................................................. 417
Positioning a floor jack .............. 418
Engine compartment ................ 419
12-volt battery ............................. 428
Tires.................................................. 432
Tire inflation pressure ............... 445
Wheels ............................................447
Air conditioning filter ............... 449
Electronic key battery ................451
Checking and replacing fuses.............................................. 453
Light bulbs..................................... 458
Page 414 of 620

4146-2. Maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■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 5 )
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.
WA R N I N G
■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 2 8 )
Page 432 of 620
4326-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Tires
Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check the tires
for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated. New tread
Wo r n t r e a d
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicato rs is shown by the “TWI” or “∆” mark, etc., molded
into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
1
2
3