4264-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TR C will turn on when vehicle speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur
when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is redu ced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes.
■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.
4274-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
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/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC 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. Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC syst em and will not operate if VSC turned off or experiences a malfunction.
■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.
4284-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
WARNING
■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.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations. Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for informatio n on how to tow your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions. Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( P. 238)
429
4
Driving
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
4-6. Driving tips
●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 battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains match the size of the 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.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
4304-6. Driving tips
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
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.
When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. ( P. 259)
●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 atte mpted 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 any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or an other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional immediately.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size.
Side chain:
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10.8 mm (0.43 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Cross chain:
3.9 mm (0.15 in.) in diameter
13.8 mm (0.54 in.) in width
25.3 mm (1.00 in.) in length
Regulations regarding the use of tire chai ns vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains
4344-6. Driving tips
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
Your vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the event that off-
road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the following precautions to help
avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.
●Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to
travel.
●Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private
property.
●Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that
restrict travel.
●Stay on established roads. When co nditions are wet, driving techniques
should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads.
Off-road driving
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger- ous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerkthe wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
●Always check your brakes for effectivene ss immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi- als trapped or adhering to the underb ody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
4354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bear ings, causing rusting and premature fail- ure, and may also enter the differential, transmission and transfer (AWD models only)case, reducing the gear o il’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
5887-1. Maintenance and care
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
NOTICE
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not let water of the high pressure washer hit directly or the vicinity of the camera. Due to the shock from the high pressure water, it is possible
the device may not operate as normal.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con- nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts • Steering parts
•Suspension parts • Brake parts
●Do not point the nozzle of a high pressurewasher at the areas shown in the illustration,as high pressure water may damage the oil
cooler.