2924-5. Using the driving support systems
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 displaye d on the screen may differ from the actual
state.
Use caution, just as you woul d 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 wh eel will vary according to traffic condi-
tions, road surface conditions , vehicle condition, 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 trunk 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. 287)
●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.
3044-5. Using the driving support systems
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 operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, grav el 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
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable wh ile driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC 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 hill-start assist control. 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 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 is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■When the TRAC/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
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Expert mode precautions
●Do not use on public roads.
●Use only when the road co nditions and safety of the surrounding area can be
ensured.
●Proper use of expert mode requires a professional level of driving skill. When using
expert mode, always check the road condit ions and surrounding area and drive more
carefully than usual.
■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 and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation 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.
3204-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correctly
●The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticke r, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area on
the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surf ace that is wet with standing water during bad weather,
such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
●Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may
increase in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters the detection area is short
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driv ing on the edge of a lane, and a vehicle
traveling in a lane other than the adjacent lanes enters the detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When the tires are slipping or spinning
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
331
4
Driving
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19-inch tires.
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are th e specified size and brand.
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.
Preparation for winter (RC350/RC300/RC200t)
Preparation for winter (RC F)
3324-6. Driving tips
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.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a sa fe 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
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
●If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is atte mpted to be shifted from P to any other posi-
tion without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P, there
may be a problem with the shift lock sy stem. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
3334-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for vehicles with
LDH and 19-inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
Vehicles with front and rear tires of di ffering sizes and vehicles with LDH and
19-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regu lations before installing chains.
■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 rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear 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.
Selecting tire chains ( RC350/RC300/RC200t)
1
2
Selecting tire chains (RC F)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
3344-6. Driving tips
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 ti re 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 cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
●Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Do not use the LDA system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal an d attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valv es and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.