2017 Lexus GS300h ESP

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are
traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside rear
view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehicle’s existence via
the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 3.5 m (11.5 ft.) from
the side of the vehicle
The first 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) from the side of
the vehicle is not in the detection area
Approximately 3 m (9.8 ft.) from the
rear bumper
Approximately 1 m (3.3 ft.) forward
of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
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WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the driver
that a vehicle is present in th e blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot Monitor
function. The function cannot judge if it is sa fe to change lanes, therefore over reliance
could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may no t function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the ri
ght or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashin g
the outside rear view mirror in dicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for
careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even when using the Rear
Crossing Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you and
your vehicle is necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc.
before backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may no t function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
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3224-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster
vehicles from farther away.
Example:
■The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is operational when
●The BSM function is turned on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●Vehicle speed is less than approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between appr
oximately 8 km/h (5 mph) and 28 km/h
(18 mph).
The Rear Crossing Traffic Al ert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast28 km/h (18 mph)20 m (65 ft.)
Slow8 km/h (5 mph)5.5 m (18 ft.)
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3244-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with
steering wheel movement
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline.
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆AVS (Adaptive Variable Susp ension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damp ing force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions, this system
helps riding comfort with a high level of stability, and helps good vehicle pos-
ture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select switch, the
damping force is suitable for sporty driving ( P. 312)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling the steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering wheel operation and vehicle speed
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system output, steering assist, steering ratio and
rear wheel angle
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applie d suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind

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GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will be canc eled in any of the following situations;
●The shift lever is shifted to N or P.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are me t, the emergency brake signal will operate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
●The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge from the vehi-
cle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
●The brake pedal is released.
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden braking operation.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist co ntrol. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.

3304-5. Using the driving support systems
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WARNING
■When the VSC 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 TRC/VSC 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 TRC/
VSC 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 tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed
on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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.

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4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated 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. 311)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 108, 123)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without 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 regenerated when slowing down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points: