
3274-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on an d the “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information display.*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system), pre-crash brake assist and pre-
crash braking will also be disabled. The PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) warning
light will come on and a message will be di splayed on the multi-information display.
( P. 466)
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that TRC has
been disabled even if has not been pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repa irer, or any reliable repairer.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move fr om its straight forward position, but it will return when the system restarts.
●The steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly.
●When force is continuously applied for a long time with the steering wheel turned as far as it will go.
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. How- ever, the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected automatically when driving.

331
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle 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. 311)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 108, 123)
◆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.
◆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.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3324-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
◆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 avoiding 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.

3344-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit 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 front and rear tires of differing
sizes and vehicles with LDH and 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, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations an d 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

3936-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast • After driving on salted roads• If coal tar, pollen or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface • After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow- der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud • If liquids such as benzene and gaso line are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic subs tances or scrub with a hard brush. This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash (vehicle s with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
Turn off AUTO mode of the wiper to prevent the wiper from operating. (P. 251) If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be dam-aged.
■When using a high-pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not let water from the high-pressure washer directly hitthe camera or the area around the camera. Due to the shock from high-pressure
water, it is possible that the device may not operate normally.
●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
•Suspension parts
•Steering parts
• Brake parts

4006-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the “POWER ON” on the multi-information display and the “READY” indicator are both off.
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, power co ntrol unit, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the enginecompartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted sur- faces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately. If you still experi ence discomfort, consult a doctor.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 411)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in the air.
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refillin g, it may indicate a serious problem.

451
7When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ..................452
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency.................................453
7-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs
to be towed................................ 454
If you think something
is wrong....................................... 459
If a warning light turns on
or a warning buzzer
sounds..........................................460
If a warning message
is displayed ................................ 466
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with spare tire) ......498
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without spare
tire)................................................509
If the hybrid system
will not start................................ 523
If the parking brake
cannot be released................. 525
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ............. 527
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged .................................530
If your vehicle overheats .........535
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ............................................. 542

4607-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
•Low brake fluid • Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake system Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dan-gerous.
(If equipped)
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer.
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:• The hybrid system;
• The emission control system (if equipped); • The electronic engine control system; • The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic hybrid transmission control system (if equipped) Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in: • The SRS airbag system; or• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.