Page 388 of 660

388 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ 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.
Page 389 of 660
3894-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ 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.
Page 411 of 660

4115-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
5
Interior features
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys ●
Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic key and turning the power switch to ON
mode will recall that key’s registered air conditioning settings. ●
When the power switch is turned off, the curr ent air conditioning settings will automati-
cally be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the vehicle. ●
The system may not operate correctly if more th an one electronic key is in the vicinity or
if the smart access system with push-button start is used to unlock a passenger door. ●
The doors that can recall the air conditioni ng setting when unlocked using the smart
access system with push-b utton start can be changed.
* For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.
* : The doors that can recall the driving positi on memory are changed at the same time.■
Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically accordin g to the temperature setting and the ambi-
ent conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow immediately
after the “AUTO” button is pr essed or “AUTO” is selected.■
Operation of S-FLOW mode
In automatic mode, S-FLOW mode will be turned off if a rear door has been opened and
closed. To activate S-FLOW mode again, press . ■
Using the voice command system
Air conditioning system can be operated usin g voice commands. For details, refer to the
“NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”. ■
When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air conditioning system
is on ●
In order to reduce the air conditioning po wer consumption, the ai r conditioning system
may switch to recirculated air mode automatically.
This may also reduce fuel consumption. ●
Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch is turned to
ON mode. ●
It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button. ■
Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.■
Fogging up of the windows ●
The windows will easily fog up when the humidi ty in the vehicle is high. Selecting “A/C”
will dehumidify the air from the outlet s and defog the windshield effectively. ●
If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily. ●
The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.