trailer Lexus IS220d 2012 User Guide

248
2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order
to avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in
mind when towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection
between the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as
well as before setting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn right. Always rotate
gradually to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin
out of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.

249
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EEImportant points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check
behind when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such
vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehi-
cle straight ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 (manual transmission) or 4 range in S
mode (automatic transmission) to maintain the effectiveness of
the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical com-
ponents.
If the engine overheats...
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If
the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 525)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever
to P for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual trans-
missions.

250
2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
To avoid accident or injury
Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

551
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifica-
IS250/220d/200d_EECompact spare tire (if equipped)
Tire size
Ty p e A
T125/70D17 98M
Ty p e B
T145/70D17 106M
Tire inflation pressure
(Recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure)
420 kPa (4.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 60 psi)
Wheel size17  4T
When towing a trailer
Add 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended tire inflation
pressure, and drive at speeds below 100 km/h (62 mph).

571
Alphabetical index
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Tachometer
Tacho indicator .....................171
Tachometer ...........................171
Tail lights
Switch ...................................186
Talk switch* ..............................332
Telephone switch* ....................332
Theft deterrent system
Alarm ....................................102
Double locking system .........101
Engine immobilizer system ....96
Tire inflation pressure ...............426
Tires
Chains ...................................239
Checking ...............................421
Emergency tire puncture
repair kit .............................499
If you have a flat tire ....487, 499
Inflation pressure ..................426
Replacing ..............................487
Rotating tires ........................421
Size .......................................548
Snow tires .............................239
Tools ..........................................487
Total load capacity ....................534
Towing
Emergency towing ................459
Trailer towing .......................242
Traction control .........................224
Transmission shift switches ....163,
165TRC .......................................... 224
Trip meter ................................. 171
Trunk
Extending trunk space ......... 380
Opener ................................... 63
Trunk light
Trunk light ............................. 64
Wattage ................................ 552
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ........... 453
Switch .................................. 170
Wattage ................................ 552
USB port* ................................. 296
Vanity lights
Vanity lights ........................ 363
Wattage ................................ 552
Vanity mirrors .......................... 363
VDIM ....................................... 224
Vehicle dynamics integrated
management ........................... 224
Vehicle identification number .. 535
Vehicle stability control ........... 224
Ventilators ................................ 374
VSC .......................................... 224T
U
V
*: For vehicles with a navigation system, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.