traction Lexus ES300h 2020 Owner's Guide

2514-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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.212)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P.77)
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 gently
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

3086-1. Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Precaution regarding the rear
bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (if
equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped
or scratched, the system may malfunc-
tion. If this occurs, consult your Lexus
dealer.
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and
corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the
following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar, pollen or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron
powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chip ped or scratched,
have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding,
remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the
wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic
substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the
lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the
lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash
(vehicles with rain-sensing windshield
wipers)
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wip-
ers may operate and the wiper blades
may be damaged.
■When using a high-pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not let
water of the high-p ressure washer hit
directly or the vicinity of the camera.
Due to the shock from the high-pres-
sure water, it is possible the device may
not operate as normal.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to
boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following
parts. The parts may be damaged if
they come into contact with high-pres-
sure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts
●Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9
in. (30 cm) away from the vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as
molding and bumpers, may be
deformed and damaged.
Also, do not continuously hold the
nozzle in the same place.
●Do not spray the lower part of the
windshield continuously.
If water enters the air conditioning sys-
tem intake located near the lower part
of the windshield, th e air conditioning
system may not operate correctly.
●Do not wash the underside of the vehi-
cle using a high pressure car washer.

3096-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
Remove dirt and dust using a vac-
uum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with luke-
warm water.
 If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off
with a soft cloth dampened with
neutral detergent diluted to approx-
imately 1%.
Wring out any excess water from
the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and
water.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type
cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush
to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping cir-
cles. Do not use water. Wipe dirty surfaces
and let them dry. Excellent results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as
possible.
■Handling the seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water
using a cloth or spon ge. Also check the
belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying
or cuts.
■When cleaning the carpeted portions of
the glove box, console box, etc.
If a strong adhesive tape is used, there is a
possibility that the surface of the carpet
could be damaged.
Cleaning and protecting the
v
ehicle interior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Protecting the vehicle interior
WARNING
■Water in the vehicle
●Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehi-
cle, such as on the floor, on the rear
seats, in the hybrid battery (traction
battery) air vents, and in the trunk.
(  P.65)
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery,
electrical components, etc. to mal-
function or catch fire.
●Do not get any of the SRS components
or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(  P.28)
An electrical malfunction may cause
the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious
injury.
■Cleaning the interior (especially
instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner.
The instrument panel may reflect off the
windshield, obstructing the driver’s view
and leading to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
●Do not use the following types of
detergent, as they may discolor the
vehicle interior or cause streaks or
damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic sub- stances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and
bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol
●Do not use polish wax or polish
cleaner. The instrument panel’s or
other interior part’s painted surface
may be damaged.

3176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions
If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.
Maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition
( P.326)•Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp
bolts)
Brake fluid
level
( P.325)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
or SAE J1703 brake
fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4
or SAE J1704 brake
fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit
coolant level
( P.323)
•“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or a similar
high quality ethylene
glycol-based non-sili-
cate, non-amine, non-
nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid
technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Hybrid bat-
tery (traction
battery) air
intake vent
( P.343)
• Vacuum cleaner, etc.
• Phillips screwdriver
Engine oil level
( P.321)
•“Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil” or equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P.348)• Fuse with same amper-
age rating as original
Headlight aim• Phillips-head screw-driver
Light bulbs
( P.351)
•Bulb with same number
and wattage rating as
original
• Flathead screwdriver
ItemsParts and tools

3306-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed perfor-
mance tires best suited to highway driv-
ing under dry conditions. Since summer
tires do not have the same traction per-
formance as snow tires, summer tires are
inadequate for driving on snow-covered
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is
recommended. When installing snow
tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide
better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter condi-
tions as well as for use year-round. All
season tires, however, do not have ade-
quate traction performance compared
with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
you need snow tires, select tires of the
same size, construction and load capacity
as the originally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equip-
ment, make sure your snow tires also
have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking local
regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels. ( P.253)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down
below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is
lost.
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to
parts of the drivetrain as well as danger-
ous handling characteristics, which may
lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes,
models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably
different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those
recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed
tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a com-
pact spare tire installed.
●Do not mix summer, all season and
snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used
on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know
how they were used previously.
NOTICE
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on
roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire
inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-
ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving
on rough roads may cause damage to
the tires themselves, as well as the vehi-
cle’s wheels and body.
■Low profile tires (18-inch tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater dam-
age than usual to the tire wheel when
sustaining impact from the road surface.
Therefore, pay attention to the following:

3436-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Remove the dust from the air intake
vent with a vacuum cleaner, etc.
Make sure to only use a vacuum to suck
out dust and clogs. Attempting to blow out
dust and clogs using an airgun, etc. may
push it into the air intake vent. ( P.345)
If dust and clogs cannot be completely
removed with the air intake vent cover
installed, remove the cover and clean the filter.
1
Turn the power switch off.
2 Using a Phillips screwdriver,
remove the clip.
3 Remove the air intake vent cover.
1 Pull the cover as shown in the illus-
tration to disengage the 7 claws,
starting from the claw in the upper
right corner.
2 Pull the cover toward the front of
the vehicle to remove it.
Cleaning the hybrid battery
(traction battery) air intake
vent and filter
To prevent the fuel economy from
being affected, visually inspect the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake vent periodically for dust and
clogs. If it is dusty or clogged or if
“Maintenance Required for Trac-
tion Battery Cooling Parts See
Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display, clean
the air intake vent using the follow-
ing procedures:
Cleaning the air intake vent
If dust and clogs cannot be com-
pletely removed

3456-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
8Using a Phillips screwdriver, install
the clip.
■Scheduled maintenance of the air
intake vent is necessary when
In some situations such as when the vehicle
is used frequently or in heavy traffic or dusty
areas, the air intake vent may need to be
cleaned more regularly.
For details, refer to “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Cleaning the air intake vent
●Dust in the air intake vent may interfere
with the cooling of the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If charging/discharging
of the hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes limited, the distance that the
vehicle can be driven using the electric
motor (traction motor) may be reduced
and the fuel economy may be reduced.
Inspect and clean the air intake vent peri-
odically.
●Improper handling of the air intake vent
cover and filter may result in damage to
them. If you have any concerns about
cleaning the filter, contact your Lexus
dealer.
■If “Maintenance required for Traction
battery cooling parts See owner’s man-
ual” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display
●If this warning message is displayed on
the multi-information display, remove the
air intake vent cover and clean the filter.
(  P.343)
●After cleaning the air intake vent, start
the hybrid system and check that the
warning message is no longer displayed.
After the hybrid system is started, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle up to
approximately 20 minutes before the
warning message disappears. If the warn-
ing message does not disappear after
driving for appropriately 20 minutes,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
WARNING
■When cleaning the air intake vent
●Do not use water or other liquids to
clean the air intake vent. If water is
applied to the hybrid battery (traction
battery) or other components, a mal-
function or fire may occur.
●Before cleaning the air intake vent,
make sure to turn the power switch off
to stop the hybrid system.
■When removing the air intake vent
cover
Do not touch the service plug located
near the air intake vent. ( P.64)
NOTICE
■When cleaning the air intake vent
When cleaning the air intake vent, make
sure to only use a vacuum to suck out
dust and clogs. If a compressed air blow
gun, etc. is used to blow out dust and
clogs, the dust or clogs may be pushed
into the air intake ve nt, which may affect
the performance of the hybrid battery
(traction battery) and cause a malfunc-
tion.

3466-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start and wireless remote control will
not function properly.
●The operational range will be reduced.
Prepare the following before replacing
the battery:
 Flathead screwdriver
 Small flathead screwdriver
 Lithium battery CR2032
■Use a CR2032 lithium battery
●Batteries can be purchased at your Lexus
dealer, local electrical appliance shops or
camera stores.
●Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
●Dispose of used batteries according to
the local laws.
1Take out the mechanical key.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
●Do not allow water or foreign matter to
enter the air intake vent when the
cover is removed.
●Carefully handle the removed filter so
that it will not be damage.
If the filter is damaged, have it replaced
with a new filter by your Lexus dealer.
●Make sure to reinstall the filter and
cover to their original positions after
cleaning.
●Do not install anything to the air intake
vent other than the exclusive filter for
this vehicle or use the vehicle without
the filter installed.
■If “Maintenance Required for Trac-
tion Battery Cooling Parts See
Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the vehicle is continuously driven with
the warning message (indicating that
charging/discharging of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) may become lim-
ited) displayed, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) may malfunction.
Electronic key battery
Replace the battery with a new one
if it is depleted.
Items to prepare
Replacing the battery

3757-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
*: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
In some situations, the master warning light and warning buzzer may not oper-
ate as specified. In this case, follow the instructions displayed in the warning
message.
 If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is
displayed, take corrective actio n according to the warning light. ( P.364)
■Warning messages
The warning messages explained below
may differ from the actual messages
according to operation conditions and vehi-
cle specifications.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
■If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or
Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level is low. Check the level
of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is
stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a
level surface and check to see if the mes-
sage disappears.
■If “Hybrid System Stopped Steering
Power Low” is displayed
This message is displayed if the hybrid sys- tem is stopped while driving.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, gr
ip the steering wheel
firmly and operate it using more force than
usual.
■If “Hybrid system overheated Output
power reduced” is displayed
This message may be displayed when driv-
ing under severe operat ing conditions. (For
example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method: P.395
■If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Refrain From the Use of N Posi-
tion” is displayed
This message may be displayed when the
shift lever is in N.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) can
not be charged when the shift lever is in N,
shift the shift lever to P when the vehicle is
stopped.
Warning buzzer*Warning
Comes onSounds
Indicates an important situation, such as when a sys-
tem related to driving is ma lfunctioning or that dan-
ger may result if the co rrection procedure is not
performed
FlashesSoundsIndicates a situation, such as when damage to the
vehicle or danger may result
Comes onDoes not sound
Indicates a condition, such as malfunction of electri-
cal components, their condition, or indicates the
need for maintenance
FlashesDoes not sound
Indicates a situation, such as when an operation has
been performed incorrectly, or indicates how to
perform an operation correctly

3767-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Shift into P to Restart” is dis-
played
This message is displayed when the hybrid
battery (traction battery) charge has
become extremely low because the shift
lever has been left in N for a certain amount
of time.
When operating the vehicle, shift to P and
restart the hybrid system.
■If “Shift to P Before exiting vehicle” is
displayed
Message is displayed when the driver’s
door is opened with out turning the power
switch off with the shift lever in any position
other than P.
Shift the shift lever to P.
■If “Shift is in N Release accelerator
before shifting” is displayed
The accelerator pedal has been depressed
when the shift lever is in N.
Release the accelerator pedal and shift the
shift lever to D or R.
■If “Accelerator pedal is pressed” is dis-
played
The accelerator pedal has been depressed
when the shift lever is in P.
Release the accelerator pedal.
■If “Press brake when vehicle is stopped
Hybrid system may overheat” is dis-
played
The message may be displayed when the
accelerator pedal is depressed to hold the
vehicle while the vehicle is stopped on an
incline, etc. The hybrid system may over-
heat. Release the accelerator pedal and
depress the brake pedal.
■If “Auto Power Off to Conserve Battery”
is displayed
Power was turned off due to the automatic
power off function. Next time when starting
the hybrid system, operate the hybrid sys-
tem for approximately 5 minutes to
recharge the 12-volt battery.
■If “High Power Cons umption Power to
Climate Temporarily Limited” is dis-
played
Turn off unnecessary electronic equipment
to reduce power consumption.
Please wait until the power supply returns to
normal.
■If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit
Your Dealer” is displayed
The following systems may be malfunction-
ing. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
●The LED headlight system
●AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
●The automatic headlight leveling system
(if equipped)
●Automatic High Beam
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable
See Owner’s Manual” is shown
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range system is suspended tempo-
rarily or until the pr oblem shown in the mes-
sage is resolved. (causes and coping
methods: P.176)
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable” is
shown
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range system cannot be used tempo-
rarily. Use the system when it becomes
available again.
■If “Front Camera Unav ailable” or “Front
Camera Unavailable See Owner’s
Manual” is displayed
The following systems may be suspended
until the problem shown in the message is
resolved. ( P.176, 370)
●PCS (Pre-Collision System)
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
●Automatic High Beam
●RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped)
●Dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played
Indicates that all maintenance according to