3574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■When approaching three-dimensional objects
The estimated course lines target a flat surfaced objects (such as the road). It
is not possible to determine the position of three-dimensional objects (such as
vehicles) using the estimated course lines and distance guide lines. When
approaching a three-dimensional object that extends outward (such as the
flatbed of a truck), be careful of the following.
●Estimated course lines
Visually check the surroundings
and the area behind the vehicle.
In the case shown in the illustra-
tion, the truck appears to be out-
side of the estimated course lines
and the vehicle does not look as if
it will hits the truck. However, the
rear body of the truck may actu-
ally cross over the estimated
course lines. In reality if you back
up as guided by the estimated
course lines, the vehicle may hit
the truck.
3584-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
●Distance guidelines
Visually check the surroundings
and the area behind the vehicle.
On the screen, it appears that a
truck is parking at point . How-
ever, in reality if you back up to
point , you will hit the truck.
On the screen, it appears that
is closest and is farthest away.
However, in reality, the distance to and is the same and is
farther than and .
2
1
1
3
132
13
3594-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■If you notice any symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms, refer to the likely cause and the
solution, and re-check.
If the symptom is not resolved by the solution, have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Things you should know
Likely causeSolution
The image is difficult to see
• The vehicle is in a dark area
• The temperature around the lens is
either high or low
• The outside temperature is low
• There are water droplets on the cam- era
• It is raining or humid
• Foreign matter (mud, etc.) is adhering to the camera
• There are scratches on the camera
• Sunlight or headlights are shining directly into the camera
•The vehicle is unde r fluorescent lights,
sodium lights, mercury lights etc.
If this happens due to these causes, it
does not indicate a malfunction.
Back up while visually checking the vehi-
cle’s surroundings. (Use the monitor
again once conditions have been
improved.)
The image on the Lexus parking assist
monitor system screen can be adjusted.
For details, refer to the “NAVIGATION
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
The image is blurry
Dirt or foreign matter (such as water
droplets, snow, mud, etc.) is adhering to
the camera.Flush the camera with a large quantity of
water and wipe the camera lens clean
with a soft and wet cloth.
The image is out of alignment
The camera or surrounding area has
received a strong impact.Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
The guide lines are very far out of alignment
The camera position is out of alignment.Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
• The vehicle is tilted (there is a heavy
load on the vehicle, tire pressure is low
due to a tire puncture, etc.)
• The vehicle is used on an incline.If this happens due to these causes, it
does not indicate a malfunction.
Back up while visually checking the vehi-
cle’s surroundings.
3614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to assist the driver when
backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually behind and all around the vehi-
cle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or
serious injuries.
●Never depend on the parking assist monitor entirely when backing up. The image
and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may differ from the actual
state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
●Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle speed.
●If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the shoulder,
depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
●The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic condi-
tions, road surface conditions, vehicle condit ion, etc. when parking. It is necessary to
be fully aware of this before using the parking assist system.
●When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate your vehi-
cle before maneuvering into it.
●Do not use the parking assist monitor in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the back door is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or stra ight, such as curves or slopes.
●In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint. The
image could distort when the vehicle is movi ng, or you may become unable to see the
image on the screen. Be sure to check dire ct visually and with the mirrors all around
the vehicle before proceeding.
●If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen
may change.
●The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedestrians that
appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual distances.
( P. 355)
●Estimated course line display mode: If the st eering wheel is straight and the vehicle
width guide lines and the estimated course lines are not in alignment, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
3884-6. 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 ti me 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 av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pr essure 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 tires that are appropriate for the season.
3904-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power cont rol 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 of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the 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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations an d 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
3914-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced spee d 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 in advertent sliding or creeping.
When the parking brake is in automatic mo de, release the parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. ( P. 245)
Use the correct tire chain size when mounti ng the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size.
Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.43 in. (10.8 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Cross chain: 0.15 in. (3.9 mm) in diameter
0.54 in. (13.8 mm) in width
1.00 in. (25.3 mm) in length
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regu lations 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
3964-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when 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, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery
(traction battery), 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 (traction battery)
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.
●Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor)
(AWD models only) will cause deterioration in transmission quality. The malfunction
indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not be drivable.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmissi on case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing 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 efficiency
and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.