Page 390 of 776
3904-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
■If the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function operates unnecessarily such as at a railroad crossing
Even in the event that the Intelligent Cleara nce Sonar function operates unnecessarily,
such as at a railroad crossing, brake contro l will be canceled after approximately 2 sec- onds, allowing you to proceed forward and leave the area, Brake control can also be canceled by depressing the brake pedal. Depressing the accelerator pedal again will
allow you to proceed forward and leave the area.
■Situations in which the Intelligent Cleara nce Sonar Brake function may not operate properly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.
●Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return to normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor • When driving in inclement weather su ch as fog, snow or a sandstorm
●Vehicle surroundings
• When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a detected object
• If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front of the vehicle or runs out from the side of the vehicle.
●Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehi- cles, the clearance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle • If a sticker or an electronic component, such as a backlit license plate (especially flu-orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load • If the orientation of a sensor has been changed due to a collision or other impact
• When a sensor or the area around a sensor is extremely hot or cold
• When strong winds are blowing
Page 394 of 776
3944-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
If the Rear Crossing Traffic Auto Brake function detects that a collision with an
approaching vehicle is possible, the engine output will be restricted to restrain
any increase in vehicle speed. (Engine output restriction control: See A below.)
Additionally, if the accelerator pedal cont inues to be depressed, the brakes will
be applied automatically to reduce the vehicle speed. (Brake control: See B
below.)
Rear Crossing Traffic Auto Brake function (if equipped)
Page 421 of 776
4214-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is distributed to the rear wheels to the maximum extent pos-
sible in accordance with driving conditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels all-wheel drive lock mode and returns the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system to normal mode. ( P. 423)
■All-wheel drive lock mode can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Automatic release for the all-wheel drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h(25 mph).
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
RX350RX200t
Page 422 of 776
4224-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
◆VSC + (Vehicle Stability Control +)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing driving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.
Page 423 of 776
4234-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX200t_EE_OM48F32E
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helping achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more suitable for sporty driving. ( P. 418)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and engine output
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applie d suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind.
Page 428 of 776
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)
Page 429 of 776
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
Page 434 of 776
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.
