190
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)4-1. Before driving
■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake system
needs bedding-down of the brake shoes peri
odically or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding down
operation.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel. ( P. 519)
■Brake pads and discs
●F SPORT models of GS350, and GS F: The brake pads and discs are designed for use
under high load conditions. Therefore, brake noise may be generated depending on
the vehicle speed, braking force and vehicl e environment (temperature, humidity, etc.).
●GS F: In order to achieve steady braking performance even during high-load sporty
driving, brake pads that include a large amount of iron are used. As a result, rust may
form if the vehicle is parked for a long time with wet brake pads or disc rotors, causing
them to stick. When parts are stuck, abnormal noise or vibration may occur during
driving, so lightly depress the accelerator pedal and drive slowly. (Before parking the
vehicle after it is washed, drive slowly an d apply the brakes several times to dry the
parts.)
192
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)4-1. Before driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your
ability to control the vehicle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed
could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pe dal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on only on e side are wet and not functioning properly,
steering control may be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering perfor-
mance, resulting in an accide nt or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the engine from
the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
●Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the
shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of
the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators) (GS350)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brakes of F SPORT models: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow
enhanced front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than con-
ventional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends
that you also have the thic kness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those
of the brake discs are exceeded.
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)
1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■If a brake pad wear warning message is displayed (GS F)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As a
result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when
replacing the brake pads, Lexu s recommends that you also have the thickness of the
discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those
of the brake discs are exceeded.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and
unexpectedly, causing an accident.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the ve hicle rolling away, always keep depressing
the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the parking brake as neces-
sary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the
vehicle rolling forward or backward, alwa ys depress the brake pedal and securely
apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust
system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is nearby.
364
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)6-1. Maintenance and care
■Brake
●Brake caliper coating (GS350 with orange
brake calipers for F SPORT models, and
GS F)
• When using detergent, use neutral detergent.
Do not use hard brushes or abrasive cleaners, as they will damage the coating.
• Do not use detergent on the brake calipers when they are hot.
• Wash detergent off immediately after use.
●GS F: Rust may form if the vehicle is parked with wet brake pads or disc rotors, causing
them to stick. Before parking the vehicle after it is washed, drive slowly and apply the
brakes several times to dry the parts.
■Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■Front side windows water-repellent coating (if equipped)
●The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.
• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period. Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that co ntain abrasives when cleaning the windows.
• Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
●When the water-repellent performance has become insufficient, the coating can be
repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer.
390
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
GS350GS F
Fluid type
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your ha nds and eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water imme-
diately. If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■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 out or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref illing, there may be a serious problem.
4617-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
Indicates that engine oil level is low
This message may ap pear if the vehicle is stopped on a
slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check to
see if the message disappears.
A buzzer also sounds.
Check the level of engine oil, and add if necessary.
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Automatic High Beam system (if equipped);
• The AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if
equipped); or
• The LED headlight system
A buzzer also sounds.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
(GS F for Canada only)
Indicates that the brake pads are worn out
A buzzer also sounds
Have the vehicle inspected visually by your Lexus
dealer.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
4627-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350_GS F_OM_OM30J07U_(U)
(GS F for U.S.A. only)
Indicates that the brake pads are worn outA buzzer also sounds
Have the vehicle inspected visually by your Lexus
dealer.
Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are
being depressed simultaneously, and the brake override
system is operating.
Release the accelerator pedal and depress the
brake pedal. ( P. 189)
Indicates that the tire in flation pressure is low
Check the tire inflation pressure, and adjust to the
appropriate level.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)