2016 LEXUS RX450H recommended

2294-1. Before driving
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Driving
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WARNING
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manu-
facturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight,
the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assem-
bly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.
Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause
an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
■When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Lexus
recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/pro-
vincial regulations.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking
effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer
and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the co upling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of
the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer
hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

3864-5. Using the driving support systems
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WARNING
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt 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/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control 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
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Contro l systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer 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.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway ing by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( P. 227)

3924-6. Driving tips
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To enable the windshield wi pers to be lifted when heavy snow or icy conditions
are expected, change the rest position of the windshield wipers from the
retracted position below the hood to th e service position using the wiper lever.
(
P. 263)
■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 front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly 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.
Windshield wipers
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehi cle 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, abrupt steering, 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 the LKA (Lane-Keepin g Assist) system. (if equipped)
●Do not use the LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system. (if
equipped)

4125-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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■Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor ( P. 413) detects fog on the wind-
shield and controls the air cond itioning system to prevent fog.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from enteri ng the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” is selected.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sy stem is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performa nce, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
■Air conditioning filter
P. 501
■Customization
Some functions can be customized ( P. 607)

4455-5. Using the other interior features
5
Interior features
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The HomeLink® wireless control system in your vehicle has 3 buttons which can
be programmed to operate 3 different de vices. Refer to the programming meth-
ods on the following pages to determine the method which is appropriate for the
device.
HomeLink
® indicator light
Garage door operation indicators
HomeLink
® icon
Illuminates while HomeLink® is operat-
ing.
Buttons
■Before programming HomeLink®
●During programming, it is possible that garage doors, gates, or other
devices may operate. For this reason, make sure that people and objects
are clear of the garage door or other devices. ( P. 451)
●It is recommended that a new batter y be placed in the remote control
transmitter for more accurate programming.
●Garage door opener motors manufa ctured after 1995 may be equipped
with rolling code protection. If this is the case, you may need a stepladder
or other sturdy, safe device to reach the “Learn” or “Smart” button on the
garage door opener motor.
Garage door opener
The garage door opener can be programmed to operate garage doors, gates,
entry doors, door locks, home lightin g systems, security systems, and other
devices.
Programming the HomeLink®
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RX450h_U_OM0E013U
6
Maintenance and care
6-2. Maintenance
General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by
yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be perfor med at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and sc hedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
You can perform some maintena nce procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty coverage.
The use of Lexus repair manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty co verage, refer to the separate “Owner’s Guide”, “War-
ranty and Service Guide”, “Owner’s Manu al Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. It is the owner’s re sponsibility to perform regular checks.
Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance

4666-2. Maintenance
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■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty coverage.
■Resetting the message indicating main tenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenanc e is preformed according to the maintenance schedule,
please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures described below:
Select on the multi-information display.( P. 109)
Press or of the meter control switch, select the “Scheduled Maintenance”
screen and then press and hold the .
Select the “Yes” and push .
A message will be displayed on the multi-information display when the reset proce-
dure has been completed.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the latest ser-
vice information. They are well informed about the operat ion of all systems on your
vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warranty co verage. If any problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in seriou s damage to the vehicle and possible seri-
ous injury or death.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to th e State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and other reproductive ha rm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by component
wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash any affected area
immediately.
●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. 483)
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4916-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving under
dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as
snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For
driving on snow-covered roads or icy road s, the use of snow tires is recommended.
When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for
driving in most winter conditions as well as for use year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, do not have adequate traction perfor mance compared with snow tires in heavy
or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling perfor-
mance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
you need snow tires, select ti res of the same size, construction and load capacity as the
originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make
sure your snow tires also have radial cons truction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restrictions. Snow tires should be installed
on all wheels. ( P. 390)
■Initializing the tire pressure warning system
Initialize the system with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the specified level.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.
■If you press the tire pressure warning reset switch accidentally
If initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level and ini-
tialize the tire pressure warning system again.