3614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■Situations in which the Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function may not operate prop-
erly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.
●Objects and vehicles which the radar sensors are not designed to detect
• Stationary objects
• Vehicles which are moving away from your vehicle
• Pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.*
• Objects which are extremely close to a radar sensor
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of more than approximately 15 mph (24 km/h)
*: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
●Situations in which the radar sensors may not be able to detect an object
• When a sensor or the area around a sensor is extremely hot or cold
• If the rear bumper is covere d with ice, snow, dirt, etc.
• If heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• When the detection area of a radar sensor is obstructed by an adjacent vehicle
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If towing eyelets are installed
• If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a radar
sensor
• If the orientation of a rada r sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact or removal and installation
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
●Situations in which the radar sensor may not detect a vehicle
• When a vehicle approaches from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle while you
are turning while backing up
• When turning while backing up
• When backing out of a shallow angle park- ing spot
3774-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
WARNING
■When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to assist the driver when
backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually behind and all around the vehi-
cle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or
serious injuries.
●Never depend on the parking assist monitor entirely when backing up. The image
and the position of the guide lines displaye d on the screen may differ from the actual
state.
Use caution, just as you woul d when backing up any vehicle.
●Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle speed.
●If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the shoulder,
depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
●The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic condi-
tions, road surface conditions, vehicle condit ion, etc. when parking. It is necessary to
be fully aware of this before using the parking assist system.
●When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate your vehi-
cle before maneuvering into it.
●Do not use the parking assist monitor in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the back door is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or stra ight, such as curves or slopes.
●In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint. The
image could distort when the vehicle is movi ng, or you may become unable to see the
image on the screen. Be sure to check dire ct visually and with the mirrors all around
the vehicle before proceeding.
●If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen
may change.
●The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedestrians that
appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual distances.
( P. 371)
●Estimated course line display mode: If the st eering wheel is straight and the vehicle
width guide lines and the estimated course lines are not in alignment, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
3864-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the followi ng cases, but it does not indicate that a
malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-
ated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Tr ailer Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Contro l and VSC systems off, the systems will be
automatically re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC 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 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 hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor-
mal within 10 minutes.
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 vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, grav el or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps on the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable wh ile driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is op erating. Drive the vehicle carefully in con-
ditions where stability and power may be lost.
3874-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
WARNING
■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 control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control 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 TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control 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/Trailer Sway Contro l systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC syst em and will not operate if VSC is 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, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VS C 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 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 condit ions 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 information 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 wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway 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. 234)
3894-6. Driving tips
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
◆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 drivin g 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 co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of ti me 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 av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pr essure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up an d cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
3904-6. Driving tips
RX450h_RX450hL_U
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power cont rol 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 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 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.
Winter driving tips
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.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
3924-6. Driving tips
RX450h_RX450hL_U
To enable the windshield wi pers to be lifted when heavy snow or icy conditions
are expected, change the rest position of the windshield wipers from the
retracted position below the hood to th e service position using the wiper lever.
(
P. 270)
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving
1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire chains.
Windshield wipers
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 driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire 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 the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.
3934-6. Driving tips
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
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 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.