
2954-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving *
:If equipped
When a pedestrian is detected behind the vehicle while backing up, the brake
pedal is not depressed or is depressed late.
Displays a message to urge the driver
to take evasive action when a pedes-
trian is detected in the detection area
behind the vehicle. (A message will
also be displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and head-up display (if
equipped).)
Pedestrian detection icon with
brake reminderParking Support Brake function (rear pedestrians) *
If the rear camera sensor detects a pe destrian behind the vehicle while back-
ing up and the system determines that the possibility of colliding with the
detected pedestrian is high, a buzzer will sound. If the system determines that
the possibility of colliding with the dete cted pedestrian is extremely high, the
brakes will be applied automatically to he lp reduce the impact of the collision.
Examples of system operation
Center Display
A

302 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 2 Press or to select “Vehicle
Settings” and then press .
3 Press or to select
and then press .
4 Press or to select “Height
Control” and then press .This setting is memorized even if the power
switch is turned off.
Even if the vehicle height control func-
tions are disabled, they will be enabled
automatically when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 19 mph (30
km/h). ■
When “Check Air Suspension System”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
The system may not operate properly. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481) ■
ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System)
The electronically controlled system
generates braking force correspond-
ing to the brake operation ■
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 brak-
ing 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 sudden ly or turning on
slippery road surfaces. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
When the airbag sensor detects a colli-
sion, the brakes and brake lights are
automatically controlled to reduce the Driving assist systems To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist
systems

3034-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving vehicle speed and that helps reduce
the possibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision. ■
TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads ■
Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill ■
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in
accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement ■
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if
equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the
vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement. ■
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel. ■
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem
By independently controlling the
damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stabilit y, and helps good vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. ( → P.298) ■
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling
system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the
VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds,
responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering
wheel operation and vehicle speed. ■
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management)
Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if
equipped), DRS (if equipped) and
Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system
output, steering assist, and steering
ratio ■
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are
operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating.

3074-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving 4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the
torque corresponding to the accelera-
tor pedal depression amount can be
generated more smoothly than it is in
normal conditions. In addition, the
operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving the fuel economy.
( → P.298)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( → P.78, 83)
Shift the shift position to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position
to P when parking. When using the N
position, there is no positive effect on
fuel consumption. In the N position, the
gasoline engine operates but electric-
ity cannot be generated. Also, when
using the air conditio ning system, etc.,
the hybrid battery (traction battery)
power is consumed. Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently
and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, 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 overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Changing the shift position Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation
When braking
Delays

308 4-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 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.
Use the air conditioning only when
necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce
the burden on the air conditioning sys-
tem 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 consump-
tion can be improved by avoiding over-
use of the heater.
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 tires that are appropriate for the
season. Carrying heavy luggage will lead to
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large
roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
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 repeat-
edly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pressure Luggage
Warming up before driving

310 4-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
Do not try to forcib ly 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
immediately 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 accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s
roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the
bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
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 shift the shift posi-
tion 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.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire
size.
Side chain (0.12 in. [3 mm] in diam-
eter)
Cross chain (0.16 in. [4 mm] in
diameter)
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.NOTICE■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
A
B

380 6-2. Maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Radiator/con-
denser The radiator and con-
denser should be free
from foreign objects.
( → P.391)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient
washer fluid?
( → P.392)
Trunk Items Check points
12-volt battery Check the connec-
tions. ( → P.393)
Vehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator
pedal • The accelerator
pedal should move
smoothly (without
uneven pedal effort
or catching).
Hybrid transmis-
sion “Park” mech-
anism •When parked on a
slope and the shift
position is in P, is the
vehicle securely
stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake
pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the brake
pedal have appro-
priate clearance
from the floor?
• Does the brake
pedal have the cor-
rect amount of free
play? Items Check points
Brakes • The vehicle should
not pull to one side
when the brakes are
applied.
•The brakes should
work effectively.
• The brake pedal
should not feel
spongy.
• The brake pedal
should not get too
close to the floor
when the brakes are
applied.
Head restraints •Do the head
restraints move
smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzz-
ers •Do the indicators
and buzzers function
properly?
Lights • Do all the lights
come on?
Parking brake • Does the parking
brake operate nor-
mally?
• When parked on a
slope and the park-
ing brake is on, is the
vehicle securely
stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts
operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should
not be damaged.Items Check points

4076-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care 1 Remove any dirt or foreign matter
from the wheel contact surface.If foreign matter is on the wheel contact
surface, the wheel nuts may loosen while
the vehicle is in motion, causing the tire to
come off.
2 Install the tire and loosely tighten
each wheel nut by hand by approxi-
mately the same amount.Turn the wheel nuts until the washers come
into contact with the disc wheel. Disc wheel
Washer
3 Lower the vehicle.
4 Firmly tighten each wheel nut two
or three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
103 ft•lbf (140 N•m, 14.3 kgf•m)WARNING■
Replacing a tire
Do not touch the disc wheels or the area
around the brakes immediately after the
vehicle has been driven.
After the vehicle has been driven the disc
wheels and the area around the brakes
will be extremely hot. Touching these
areas with hands, feet or other body
parts while changing a tire, etc. may
result in burns.
Installing the tire
WARNING
■
When installing the tire
Failure to follow these precautions could
cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
tire to fall off, result ing in death or serious
injury.
●
Never use oil or grease on the wheel
bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel
nuts to be excessively tightened, lead-
ing to bolt or disc wheel damage. In
addition, the oil or grease can cause
the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel
may fall off, causing a serious accident.
Remove any oil or grease from the
wheel bolts or wheel nuts. A
B