2017 LEXUS RC300H Owners Manual

3294-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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The RCTA function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the
right or left at the rear of the vehicle and alerts the driver of the presence of such
vehicles by flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a
buzzer.
Approaching vehicles
Detection areas of approaching vehicles
RCTA function
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the function
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.
The RCTA function is only a supplementary fu nction which alerts the driver that a vehi- cle is approaching from the right or left at th e rear of the vehicle. As the RCTA function may not function correctly under certain conditions, the driver’s own visual confirma-
tion of safety is necessary. Over reliance on this function may lead to an accident resulting death or serious injury.
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The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The buzzer can alert the driver of faster vehicles approaching from farther away.
Example:
■The RCTA function is operational when
The RCTA function operates when all of the following conditions are met:
●The BSM main switch is on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●The vehicle speed is less than approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
●The approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) and 28 km/h (18 mph).
RCTA function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast28 km/h (18 mph)20 m (65 ft.)
Slow8 km/h (5 mph)5.5 m (18 ft.)
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■Conditions under which the RCTA function will not detect a vehicle
The RCTA function is not designed to dete ct the following types of vehicles and/or objects:
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
●Vehicles backing up in a parking space next to your vehicle
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi cles and similar stationary objects*
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
*: Depending on the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect due to obstructions

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■Conditions under which the RCTA function may not function correctly
●The RCTA 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 on the 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 a vehicle is approaching at high speed
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
• Immediately after the hybrid system is started with the BSM main switch on
• When backing up on a slope with a sharp
change in grade
• When backing out of a shallow angle park- ing spot
• When the sensors cannot detect a vehicle due to obstructions

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●Instances of the RCTA function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase in the following situations:
• When a vehicle passes by the side of your vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and metal objects, such as a guardrail,
wall, sign, or parked vehicle, which may reflect electrical waves toward the rear of the vehicle, is short
• When the parking space faces a street and vehicles are being driven on the street

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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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Driving
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◆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.

3364-6. Driving tips
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◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.