lexus LS400 1994 Keys and Doors / 1994 LS400: DRIVING TIPS

SECTION 3 – 2
139
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break-in period140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving in various conditions140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer147 . . . . . . . . . . .

DRIVING TIPS
140
BREAK-IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break-in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:

Do not drive over 88 km / h (55 mph).

Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000
and 4000 rpm.

Avoid full-throttle starts.

Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).

Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.

Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.

Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road
hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage
resulting in tire bursts.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in “P”. If necessary, block
the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
pressed. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION:

Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is
off.

DRIVING TIPS
141
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.

To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.
See page 126.

Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting
or braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in
engine speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine
braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

Do not drive over 140 km / h (85 mph) unless your
vehicle has high-speed capability tires, regardless of
the legal speed limit. Driving over 140 km / h (85 mph)
may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold
the vehicle securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethylene-glycol antifreeze in the
radiator.
NOTICE:
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 222 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 199 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer − they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system / distributor ignition
system for loose connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing. To open a frozen lock, try heating the key before
inserting it.

DRIVING TIPS
142Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE:
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an effect on handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the
proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits.
For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload
your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for further
details before towing.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
143
Certification label
CAUTION:

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
load) must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.

The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross vehicle weight is the sum
weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver, passengers,
luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. It also includes
the weight of any special equipment installed on your
vehicle.

The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles
must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
listed on the Certification Label.
Total trailer weightTongue load
x 100 = 9 to 11 %Total trailer weightTongue load

The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the
tongue load is 9 to 11 % of the total trailer weight, not
exceeding the maximum of 90 kg (200 lb.). Never load
the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front.
About 60 % of the trailer load should be in the front half
of the trailer and the remaining 40 % in the rear.
Hitches

Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch
manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer,
and bolt the hitch securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate the
hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

DRIVING TIPS
144
Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
CAUTION:
The rear bumper reinforcement is made of aluminum, so
do not allow steel hitch parts to come in direct contact
with it. When steel and aluminum are in contact, a galvanic
reaction (electrolytic corrosion) occurs which can
weaken the strength of the contacting parts and cause
damage. When installing a steel hitch, apply paint, etc. to
the contacting surfaces to prevent corrosion.
NOTICE:
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires.
Brake and safety chains

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state / provincial
regulations.
Safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer
tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the
ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. For
correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAUTION:

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.

Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
possible danger of the trailer wandering over into
another lane.
Tires

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kg / cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)

The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
145
Trailer lights

Trailer lights must comply with federal, state / provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer
or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break-in schedule

Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. Refer to the
maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions
(Schedule A) in Section 5 for specific information.
Pre-towing safety check

Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it may
not shift.

Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state / provincial or local regulation. If not, install required
rear view mirrors for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:

Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all
vehicle-trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.

DRIVING TIPS
146
Backing your trailer
Left turnRight turn

Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer). Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.

Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle-to-vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km / h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the necessity of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the
rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed
by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and
trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering
wheel and reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never
increase speed. If it is necessary to reduce speed, brake
slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you make no extreme
correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.

Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.

In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.

Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 152 of this manual.

DRIVING TIPS
147
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and hold.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the “2”, “L” or “R” position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION:

Do not exceed 72 km / h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicle-trailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding 72
km / h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before descending steep or
long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometers / mileage from a liter / gallon of fuel is
easy − just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to save money
on both fuel and repairs:

Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.

Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.

Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the engine is running
smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember, however,
that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.

DRIVING TIPS
148
Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are traveling.

Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce
wear on your brakes.

Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
needless wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.

Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.

Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment
not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load
on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.

Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance (See Section 5).
CAUTION:
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power
steering and brake booster will not function without the
engine running. Also, the emission control system
operates properly only when the engine is running.