
312 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC F_U ◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starti ng on an incline
◆ VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (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 characteristi cs and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement.Driving assist systems To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC F_U ◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspen sion System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the dampin g force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the ro ad and driving conditions, this system
combines riding comfort wi th superior vehicle stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture. ( P. 302)
◆ LDH (Lexus Dynamic Hand ling system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to turn-
ing characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling th e steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering wheel operation and vehicle speed.
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equi pped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and if equipped with
VGRS, steering ratio

314 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC F_U The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing ( )
to turn the system
off may make it easier for you to ro ck the vehicle in order to free it.
RC350/RC300
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release . The “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
Press again to turn the system
back on.When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system

316 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC F_U ■
Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is se lected, it is possible to drive in a more sp orty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■
When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information displa y showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350/RC300)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if
( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts. ●
When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled together with VGRS) ●
When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated. ■
When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving.To select expert mode, press
()when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
() or
use the driving mode sele ct switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.

3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC F_U ■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist
control and VGRS systems ●
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to
move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these sys-
tems. ●
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard afte r the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.■
EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and then
on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems. ■
Reactivation of the TRAC sy stem linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, wh en both TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, the systems
will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced 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 hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline). ●
The vehicle is stopped. ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed. ●
The parking brake is not engaged. ■
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations: ●
The shift lever is moved to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
Approximately 2 seconds elapse af ter the brake pedal is released.

3194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC F_U WARNING ■
When the TRAC/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 stab ility and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary. ■
Expert mode precautions ●
Do not use on public roads. ●
Use only when the road co nditions and safety of the surrounding area can be
ensured. ●
Proper use of expert mode requires a professional level of driving skill. When using
expert mode, always check the road condit ions and surrounding area and drive more
carefully than usual. ■
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, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension w ill affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

3214-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC F_U 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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a sa fe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced spee d 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. ●
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 sy stem. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

3234-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC F_U WARNING ■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehi cle control and cause death or serious injury.●
Use tires of the specified size. ●
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h ), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels. ■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be dr iven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the ti re chains being used, or 30
mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking. ●
Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained. ●
Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system.
NOTICE ■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal an d attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters.■
Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valv es and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.