3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension 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 superior stee ring stability, and helps good vehicle
posture ( P. 302)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system output
◆PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 311
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applie d suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind
◆BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 319
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRC/VSC systems are operating.
When the TRC/VSC systems are operating
3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆Pre-crash warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, the pre-crash
safety system warning light flashes, a
buzzer sounds and a message is
shown on the multi-information dis-
play to urge the driver to take eva-
sive action.
◆Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
The system may not warn the driver using a warning light, warning display and
buzzer when the system detects and judges braking operations.
◆Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning ligh t, warning display and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed.
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal colli-
sion, the operation of Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( P. 305) opti-
mally controls the damping force of the shock absorber.
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibil ity of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen im pact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-crash safety system can be turn ed on and off as necessary by operat-
ing the switch. ( P. 312)
3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■The pre-crash safety system is operational when
The pre-crash safety system is enable d and the following conditions are met:
●Pre-crash warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
●Pre-crash brake assist:
• The VSC system is not disabled. • Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).• The brake pedal is depressed.
●Pre-crash braking:
• The VSC system is not disabled.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph). • The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle runningahead of you is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
●Suspension control:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 5 km/h (4 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a collision
In any of the following situations where the frontal area of the radar sensor is interrupted, the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and the system may be acti- vated.
●When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or a turn to the right or the left
●When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g. preceding vehicle, toll gate barrier, etc.)
●When there is a structural object (billboard, low ceiling, fluorescent light, etc.) above the uphill road ahead
●When driving on a narrow road or throug h under a low overhead structure (bridge,
tunnel, fly-under, etc.)
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface
●When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading conditions
●When the direction of radar sensor is misaligned by strong impact applied on an area
around the radar sensor, etc.
●When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by putting a heavy load in
the trunk etc.)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possibility that the brakes may be applied with a force greater than normal.
3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system in stead of normal braking operations under any circumstances. This system will not pr event collisions or lessen damage or inju- ries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may cause an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
●This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of collisions. However, the system operates differe ntly depending on the situation (P. 313). As a
result, the same level of performance may no t be expected in all cases. Also, the pre- crash safety brakes may not operate if th e driver is depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will determine such conditions as collision
avoidance operations.
●As the pre-crash safety system is designed to assist the driver in safe driving, it may operate under sporty driving conditions, which may cause an accident. For this rea-
son under sporty driving conditions, it is recommended that this system be disabled by using the PCS OFF switch.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function effectively. Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off po sition, the system may become inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, alwayshave the area inspected and adjusted by an y authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified an d equipped professional.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
●If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
3354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆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.
◆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 driving 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 constant 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 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 pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.
3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●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 12-volt 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 19-inch 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, 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 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
5027-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Raise the vehicle until the tire is
slightly raised off the ground.
Remove all the wheel nuts and the
tire.
When resting the tire on the ground,
place the tire so that the wheel design faces up to avoid scratching the wheelsurface.
4
5
WARNING
■Replacing a flat tire
●Do not touch the disc wheels or the area around the brakes immediately after thevehicle has been driven.
After the vehicle has been driven the disc wheels and the area around the brakes will be extremely hot. Touching these areas wi th hands, feet or other body parts while changing a tire, etc. may result in burns.
●Failure to follow these precautions could cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the tireto fall off, resulting in death or serious injury.
• Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened, leading to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a serious accident. Remove any oil or
grease from the wheel bolts or wheel nuts. • Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 103 N•m (10.5 kgf•m,76 ft•lbf) as soon as possible after changing wheels.
• Do not attach a heavily damaged wheel or nament, as it may fly off the wheel while the vehicle is moving.• When installing a tire, only use wheel nuts that have been specifically designed for
that wheel. • If there are any cracks or deformations in the bolt screws, nut threads or bolt holesof the wheel, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualif ied and equipped professional.
5328-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
If your vehicle is transported by a flat-
bed truck, it should be tied down at the
locations shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie down
your vehicle, the angles shaded in black
must be 45 .
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or
the vehicle may be damaged.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily
towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency towing eyelets. This
should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads for short distances at under 30
km/h (18 mph).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condition.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing