2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 imageand the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may differ from the actualstate.
Use caution, just as you would 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 wheel 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 th e 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 straight, such as curves or slopes.
●In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint. Theimage could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may become unable to see the
image on the screen. Be sure to check direct 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. 294)
●Estimated course line display mode: If the steering wheel is straight and the vehicle width guide lines and the estimated course lin es are not in alignment, have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■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 of f 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 operating 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 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 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.
■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.
3104-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■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, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modif ying the suspension will affect the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
3284-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■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 sticker, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area onthe rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet with standing water during bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th 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 vehiclethat 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 yourvehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area • When driving up and down consecutive 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 vehiclein 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 vehiclethat 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 strong impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area • When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters thedetection area is short
• When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road, etc.• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driving 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
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
3384-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 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 attempted 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 system. Have the vehicle inspected by
your authorized Lexus retailer or Lexu s authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Except for vehicles with 19- inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Vehicles with 19- inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3394-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 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 0.5
1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
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 vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the 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 spec ified for the tire chains being used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), 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 curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-tained.
●Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Do not use the LDA system.