2022 LEXUS ES300h Owners Manual

2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
QSounds and vibrations caused by the
ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-
start assist control systems
OA sound may be heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid
system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.
OAny of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehi- cle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
QECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the
following cases, but it does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred.
OOperating sound heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
operated.
OMotor sound of the brake system heard
from the front part of the vehicle when
the driver’s door is opened.
OOperating sound heard from the engine
compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid sys-
tem.
QActive Cornering Assist operation
sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is oper-
ated, operation sounds and vibrations may
be generated from the brake system, but
this is not a malfunction.
QEPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
QAutomatic reactivation of TRAC and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems
off, the systems will be automatically re-
enabled in the following situations:
OWhen the power switch is turned off
OIf 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.
QSecondary Collision Brake operating
conditions
The system operates when the SRS airbag
sensor detects a collision while the vehicle
is in motion.
However, the system does not operate
when the components are damaged.
QSecondary Collision Brake automatic
cancellation
The system is automatically canceled in any
of the following situations.
OThe vehicle speed drops to approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h)
OA certain amount of time elapses during
operation
OThe accelerator pedal is depressed a
large amount
QOperating conditions of Active Corner-
ing Assist
The system operates when the following
occurs.
OTRAC/VSC can operate
OThe driver is attempting to accelerate
while turning
OThe system detects that the vehicle is
drifting to the outer side
OThe brake pedal is released
QReduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating 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 normal within 10 minutes.

2564-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
QThe ABS does not operate effectively
when
OThe limits of tire gripping performance
have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered
road).
OThe vehicle hydroplanes while driving
at high speed on wet or slick roads.
QStopping distance when the ABS is
operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the
vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of you, especially in the following
situations:
OWhen driving on dirt, gravel or snow-
covered roads
OWhen driving with tire chains
OWhen driving over bumps in the road
OWhen driving over roads with pot-
holes or uneven surfaces
QTRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions
where stability and power may be lost.
QActive Cornering Assist does not
operate effectively when
ODo not overly rely on Active Corner-
ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist
may not operate effectively when
accelerating down slopes or driving on
slippery road surfaces.
OWhen Active Cornering Assist fre-
quently operates, Active Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating
to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
QHill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when
ODo not overly rely on hill-start assist
control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.
OUnlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.
QWhen the TRAC/ABS/VSC is acti-
vated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
QWhen the TRAC/VSC systems are
turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a
speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help
ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off
unless necessary.
QSecondary Collision Brake
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary
Collision Brake. This system is designed
to help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary collision,
however, that effect changes according
to various conditions. Overly relying on
the system may result in death or serious
injury.

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
QReplacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflat ion 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
information when replacing tires or
wheels.
QHandling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspension will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.

2584-6. Driving tips
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.219)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the bar display of Hybrid Sys-
tem Indicator within Eco area. ( P.77,
82)
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 (trac-
tion 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 gen-
tly 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
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation
When braking
Delays

2594-6. Driving tips
4
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.
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
overuse of the heater.
Make sure to check the tire inflation
pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation 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

2604-6. Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant/power control unit cool-
ant
•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 the specified size
and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehi-
cles with 18-inch/19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcibly open a window
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspection s before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
QDriving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
OUse tires of the specified size.
OMaintain the recommended level of air
pressure.
ODo not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used.
OUse snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
QDriving with tire chains (vehicles with
17-inch tires)
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.
ODo not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower.
OAvoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes.
OAvoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
OSlow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control
is maintained.
ODo not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
system.
NOTICE
QRepairing 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

2614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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.
QTo protect the windshield wipers
 P.172
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 move the shift
lever to P without setting the park-
ing 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 lead-
ing to an accident.
When the parking brake is in automatic
mode, release the parking brake after shift-
ing the shift lever to P. (
P.159)
 If the vehicle is left parked with the
brakes damp in cold temperatures,
there is a possibility of the brakes
freezing.
 If the vehicle is parked without set-
ting the parking brake, confirm that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position without depressing the
brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem
with the shift lock system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Vehicles with 17-inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire
size.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
WARNING
QWhen parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without apply-
ing the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the
wheels, the vehicle may move unexpect-
edly, possibly resulting in an accident.
Selecting tire chains

2624-6. Driving tips
Side chain:0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
1.18 in. (30 mm) in length
Cross chain:
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Vehicles with 18-inch/19-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire
chains vary depending on location and
type of road. Always check local regu-
lations before installing chains.
QTire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when
installing and re moving chains:
OInstall and remove tire chains in a safe
location.
OInstall tire chains on the front tires. Do not
install tire chains on the rear tires.
OInstall tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving
1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
OInstall tire chains following the instruc-
tions provided with the tire chains.
To enable the windshield wipers to be
lifted when heavy snow or icy condi-
tions are expected, change the rest
position of the windshield wipers from
the retracted position below the hood
to the service position using the wiper
lever. (
P.172)
Regulations on the use of tire
chains (vehicles with 17-inch
tires)
A
B
C
D
E
F
NOTICE
QFitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
Windshield wipers