2017 LEXUS RC300H tire

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.

3404-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.

459
7Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ................460
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior.................. 464
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ............................ 467
7-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions................................ 469
Hood ................................................. 471
Positioning a floor jack ............ 472
Engine compartment ............... 473
12-volt battery .............................. 481
Tires .................................................484
Replacing the tire....................... 499
Tire inflation pressure ..............505
Wheels ........................................... 507
Air conditioning filter ...............509
Electronic key battery................. 511
Checking and replacing
fuses............................................... 514
Light bulbs...................................... 518

4687-2. Maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that maintenance service operations as well as ot her inspections and repairs be carried out by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties youmay encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repa irs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( P. 115)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipp ed professional as soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling.( P. 481)

469
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery con-
dition ( P. 481)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con- trol unit coolant level
( P. 478)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitriteand non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level ( P. 474)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 514)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs ( P. 518)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser ( P. 480)
Tire inflation
pressure ( P. 505)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid ( P. 480)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)