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334
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d 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. 301)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 119)
◆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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
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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.
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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
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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
Page 345 of 640
3455-1. Basic Operations
5
Lexus Display Audio system
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■“MENU” screen
To display the “MENU” screen, press the button on the controller unit.
ButtonFunction
“Audio”Display the audio top screen
( P. 369, 371, 377, 381, 386, 395)
“Climate”Automatic air conditioning system (P. 432)
“Telephone”Display the phone top screen (P. 397)
“Car” Consumption information (P. 129)
“Info”Display the “Information” screen (P. 423)
“Setup”Setup menu (P. 353)
“Display”Display settings (P. 358)
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3495-1. Basic Operations
5
Lexus Display Audio system
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When using the screen
●Under extremely cold conditions, the Lexus Display Audio controller may react slowly.
●If the screen is cold, the display may be dark, or the system may seem to be operating slightly slower than normal.
●The screen may seem dark and hard to se e when viewed through sunglasses. Change your angle of viewing, adjust the display on the “Display” screen ( P. 358) or remove your sunglasses.
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system's speakers if a cellular phone is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is operating.
WARNING
■Using the Lexus Display Audio controller
Be careful when touching the Lexus Display Audio controller in extreme temperatures as it may become very hot or cold due to the temperature inside the vehicle.
■Laser product
This product is a class 1 laser product.
Do not open the cover of the player or attempt to repair the unit yourself. Refer servic- ing to qualified personnel.
NOTICE
■To prevent Lexus Display Audio controller malfunction
●Do not allow the Lexus Display Audio controller to come into contact with food, liq-uid, stickers or lit cigarettes as doing so may cause it to change color, emit a strangeodor or stop functioning.
●Do not subject the Lexus Display Audio controller to excessive pressure or strongimpact as the controller may bend or break off.
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is off.
■To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids on the audio system.
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4185-11. Bluetooth®
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When using the Bluetooth® audio system
●In the following situations, the system may not function.
• If the portable audio player is turned off • If the portable audio player is not connected
• If the portable audio player’s battery is low
●There may be a delay if a cellular phone connection is made during Bluetooth® audio
play.
●Depending on the type of portable audio player that is connected to the system, opera- tion may differ slightly and certain functions may not be available.
■When using the hands-free system
●The audio system is muted when making a call.
●If both parties speak at the same time, it may be difficult to hear.
●If the received call volume is over ly loud, an echo may be heard. If the Bluetooth® phone is too close to the system, quality of the sound may deteriorate and connection status may deteriorate.
●In the following situations, it may be difficult to hear the other party:
• When driving on unpaved roads • When driving at high speeds
•If a window is open • If the air conditioning is blowing directly on the microphone• If there is interference from the network of the cellular phone
●Depending on the type of phone, ce rtain functions may not be available.
■Conditions under which the system will not operate
●If using a cellular phone that does not support Bluetooth®
●If the cellular phone is turned off
●If you are outside of cellular phone service coverage
●If the cellular phone is not connected
●If the cellular phone’s battery is low
●When outgoing calls are controlled, due to heavy traffic on telephone lines, etc.
●When the cellular phone itself cannot be used
●When transferring phonebook data from the cellular phone
Bluetooth®
Page 431 of 640

431
6Interior features
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
6-1. Using the air conditioning
system
Automatic air conditioning
system .......................................... 432
Heated steering wheel/
seat heaters/
seat ventilators ......................... 444
6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ......................... 446
• Interior lights .......................... 447
• Personal lights .......................448
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ............ 449
• Glove box ...............................450
• Console box ..........................450
• Cup holders ............................ 451
Trunk features ............................. 452
6-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ............ 455
• Sun visors ................................455
• Vanity mirrors .......................455
• Clock ........................................ 456
• Power outlet........................... 456
• Assist grips ............................. 457
• Coat hooks .............................458