Lexus GS350 2008 Using the audio system / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A87U)
Manufacturer: LEXUS, Model Year: 2008, Model line: GS350, Model: Lexus GS350 2008Pages: 596, PDF Size: 9.29 MB
Page 191 of 596

191
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as pylons. There may also be occa-
sions when the radar sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■The pre-collision system is operational when
●Seat belts (linked to the radar sensor)
• Vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Seat belts (linked to brake operation)
• Vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The system detects sudd en braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Brake assist
• Vehicle speed is above 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming  vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
●AV S
• Vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming  vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h). 
Page 192 of 596

192
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming  vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When the system is activated in the situations described above there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly  and the brakes will be applied with a force 
greater than normal. When the seat belt is  locked in the retracted position, stop the 
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( P.  4 8 9 ,  4 9 9 ) 
Page 193 of 596

193
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
●Keep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a so ft cloth so you do not mark or damage 
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact. 
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the 
sensor or surrounding area are subject to a strong impact, always have the area 
inspected and adjusted by a Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding 
area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille.
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to observe 
your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards. 
Page 194 of 596

194
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants. 
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (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.
Take notice of the following informat ion about storage precautions, cargo 
capacity and load. 
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk  whenever possible. Be sure all 
items are secured in place. 
● Be careful to keep the vehicle leve l. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance. 
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.  
Page 195 of 596

195
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. 
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be 
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicl e, 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.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be  transferred to your vehicle. Co nsult this manual to determine how 
this reduces the available cargo and  luggage load capacity of your 
vehicle. ( P.  1 9 8 )
Lexus does not recommend towing a tra iler with your vehicle. Your vehicle 
is not designed for trailer towing. 
Page 196 of 596

196
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Example on your vehicleCargo 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 815 lb. (370 kg), the 
available amount of cargo and luggag e load capacity will be as follows: 
815 lb. — 366 lb. = 449 lb. (370 kg —166 kg = 204 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: 
449 lb. — 388 lb. = 61 lb. (204 kg — 176 kg = 28 kg) 
As shown in the above example, if  the number of occupants increases, 
the cargo and luggage load equaling  the combined weight of the occu-
pants who got on later, by an amount. In  other words, if an increase in the 
number of occupants causes  an excess of the total load capacity (com-
bined weight of occupants plus car go and luggage load), you must 
reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.  
Page 197 of 596

197
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
●Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback. 
Such items may be thrown about and possib ly injure people in the vehicle during 
sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not drive with objects on top of the instrument panel.  
They may interfere with the driver’s field of view or move during sharp accelera-
tion or turning, thus impairing the driver ’s control of the vehicle. In an accident 
they may injure the vehicle occupants.
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during an accident or sudden braking.
■Weight of the load
●Improper loading may cause deterioration  of steering or braking control result-
ing in an accident which may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting or the total vehicle weight rating. 
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total 
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control  which may cause death or serious injury. 
Page 198 of 596

198
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. 
(  P.  4 3 1 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, 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. 
■ Total load capacity: 815 lb. (370 kg) 
Total load capacity means the comb ined weight of occupants, cargo 
and luggage. 
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximu m number of occupants whose 
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person. 
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity, do 
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. 
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity ma y increase or decrease depending on the weight 
and the number of occupants.  
Page 199 of 596

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
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. 
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. 
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of 
battery electrolyte. 
● Have the vehicle fitted with four  snow tires or purchase a set of 
tire chains for the rear tires. 
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match 
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according  to the driving conditions. 
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. 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. 
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis. 
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that 
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.  
Page 200 of 596

200
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire  chains vary according to location 
and type of road. Alwa ys check local regulations before installing 
chains. 
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial 
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km). 
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable 
to road conditions. 
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the 
parking brake. The parking brake ma y freeze up, preventing it from 
being released.