247
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torq
ue corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. ( P. 2 3 7 )
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 8 8 )
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift position to D when stoppe d at a traffic light, or driving in heavy
traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When using the N posi-
tion, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N position, the gas-
oline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using
the air conditioning system, etc., the hy brid battery (traction battery) power is
consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) wi thout having to use gasoline engine
power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
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CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
◆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. Fuel consumption
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 tires that are appropriate for the season.
◆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.
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CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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 front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and br and, 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 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
250
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
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 shift the shift posi tion to P and block the wheel under the
vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If the vehi cle is parked without setting the parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous be cause it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size. Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
Cross chain:
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en 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 instructions provided with the tire chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)
2514-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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 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, ab rupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
■When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to chock the
wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move unexpectedly, possibly
resulting in an accident.
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
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.
468
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)7-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosio
n on the body and components (aluminum
wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gaso line are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remo ve any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the su rfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash (vehicle s with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be
damaged.
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not let water from the high-pressure washer directly hit
the camera or the area around the camera. Due to the shock from high-pressure
water, it is possible that the device may not operate normally.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
•Brake parts
474
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)7-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommende
d that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexu s dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 4 8 9 )
Engine/power control unit
coolantIs the engine/power control unit coolant at the correct
level? ( P. 4 8 7 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? ( P. 484)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. ( P. 4 8 9 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid? ( P. 4 9 0 )
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. ( P. 4 9 1 )
CT200h_OM_OM76215U_(U)
4757-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with-out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission “Park”
mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift position is in P,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( P. 5 8 3 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( P. 5 8 3 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts•Do the seat belt s operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of free play?
• There should not be an y strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.