LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

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2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ⎯
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 × 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
lStow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
lBe sure all items are secured in place.
lBe careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
lFor better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
Example based on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are riding
in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 885 lb. (400 kg), the
available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
885 lb. — 366 lb. = 519 lb. (400 kg —166 kg = 234 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of 388 lb.
(176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as fol-
lows:
519 lb. — 388 lb. = 131 lb. (234 kg — 176 kg = 58 kg)
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
nThings that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
lReceptacles containing gasoline
lAerosol cans
nStorage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
lStow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
lDo not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle in the
event of sudden braking or in an accident.
lDo not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident:

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nRoof luggage carrier precautions
To use the roof rails as a roof luggage carrier, you must fit the roof rails with two or
more genuine Lexus cross rails or their equivalent.
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
lBefore driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof luggage car-
rier.
lLoading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of gravity of the
vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or
abrupt maneuvers, otherwise the result may be a loss of control or vehicle roll-
over due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in death or serious
injury.
lIf driving for a long distances, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehicle
now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
lDo not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.
lTo reduce wind noise when there is no luggage loaded on the roof luggage car-
rier, move the front cross rail to the front-most position and the rear cross rail to
the rearmost position.
NOTICE
nWhen loading cargo
Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof.
lPlace the cargo so that its weight is distrib-
uted evenly between the front and rear
axles.
lIf loading long or wide cargo, never exceed
the vehicle’s overall length or width.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
Cross rails
Roof rails

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When driving
Vehicle load limits
nTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(→P. 4 8 7 )
CAUTION
nOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
nTotal load capacity: 885 lb. (400 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
nSeating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
nTowing capacity
Without a towing package: 2000 lb. (907 kg)
With a towing package: 3500 lb. (1588 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
nCargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.

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2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
nPre-winter preparations
lUse fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
0.43 in. (10.8 mm) in width
Cross chain:
0.15 in. (3.9 mm) in diameter
1.00 in. (25.3 mm) in length
0.54 in. (13.8 mm) in width
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
nWhen driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to the
road conditions.
nWhen parking the vehicle
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 necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.

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2-5. Driving information
nTire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
lInstall and remove tire chains in a safe location.
lInstall tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
lInstall the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1 /4 ⎯ 1/2 mile (0.5 ⎯ 1.0 km).
lInstall tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
CAUTION
nDriving 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 serious
injury.
lUse tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
lMaintain the recommended level of air pressure.
lDo not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
lUse snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
nDriving 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.
lDo not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
lAvoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
lAvoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
lSlow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.

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When driving
NOTICE
nRepairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
nFitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

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2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with the trailer's characteristics and operating conditions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stabil-
ity, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing
a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit etc.