421-1. For safe use
ES300h_OM_OM33C75U_(U)
■If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
●Slight abrasions, burns, bruising etc., may be sustained from SRS airbags, due to the
extremely high speed deployment (inflation) by hot gases.
●A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
●Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as well as the
seats, parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side rails may be hot for several min-
utes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
●The windshield may crack.
●For Lexus Enform Safety Connect subscribers, if the SRS airbags deploy or in the event
of a severe rear-end collision, the system is designed to send an emergency call to the
response center, notifying them of the vehicle’s location (without needing to push the
“SOS” button) and an agent will attempt to speak with the occupants to ascertain the
level of emergency and assistance required. If the occupants are unable to communi-
cate, the agent automatically treats the call as an emergency and helps to dispatch the
necessary emergency services. (→ P. 4 2 6 )
WA R N I N G
■SRS airbag precautions
●Do not strike or apply significant levels of force to the area of the SRS airbag compo-
nents.
Doing so can cause the SRS airbags to malfunction.
●Do not touch any of the component parts immediately after the SRS airbags have
deployed (inflated) as they may be hot.
●If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbags have deployed, open a door or
window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Wash off any resi-
due as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
●If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel pad and
front and rear pillar garnishes are damaged or cracked, have them replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
■Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications without
consulting your Lexus dealer. The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate)
accidentally, causing death or serious injury.
●Installation, removal, disassembl y and repair of the SRS airbags
●Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument
panel, dashboard, glove box, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars or
roof side rails
●Repairs or modifications of the front fend er, front bumper, or side of the occupant
compartment
●Installation of a grille guard (bull bars, ka ngaroo bar, etc.), snow plows, winches or
roof luggage carrier
●Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
●Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios and CD players
●Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability
ES300h_OM_OM33C75U_(U)
1574-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with th e location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in oper- ating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using
your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement. Even with the vehicle proximity notification
system active, people may not realize the vehicle is approaching when the surround-
ing area is noisy and so forth. Ther efore, take extra care while driving.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist
to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way: → P. 4 9 9
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. (→P. 1 76 )
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle
are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
472
ES300h_OM_OM33C75U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WA R N I N G
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an a
ccident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Make sure to install four tires that are of the specified size, and that all four tires are of
the same size, same brand, and same tread pattern.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).
●If only two tires are replaced, the new tires should be placed on the rear of the vehicle.
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire
inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may
not come on even if the tire inflation pressu re is low, or it may come on when the tire
inflation pressure is actually normal.
■Caution regarding interference with electronic devices
●Users of any electrical medical device other than implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibril-
lators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its opera-
tion under the influence of radio waves.
Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical
devices.
●People with implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemak-
ers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators
should not come within 17.7 in. (450 mm) of
the tire pressure warning system initiators.
The radio waves may affect the operation of
such devices.