brake LEXUS LS430 2006 Owner's Manual

137
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Approach warning
The system warns you to apply the brakes manuall
y to slow down, helping to ensure
that sufficient vehicle-to-vehicle distance is maintained.
Be careful of slow moving or stationary ve hi
cles or objects when traveling at high
speeds, e.g. vehicles at the end of the line in heavy traffic or at tollgates.
■The approach warning may not activate in the following situations
●Your vehicle and the vehicle ahead are cruising at almost the same speed.
●The vehicle ahead is cruising at a faster speed than yours.
●Immediately after setting the speed.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed, or immediately after release of the accelera -
tor pedal.

140
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driver assist systems
When VSC or TRAC is operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the rear wheels spin, the
slip indicator ligh t flash to indicate
that the s

ystems have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds
when VSC is operating.
To help enhance improve vehicle safety, the following systems operate auto-
matically in certain driving conditions.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Help ensure steering performance in th e event of sudden braking or driving
on slippery road surfaces.
■ BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
pushed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps maintain drive power and prevents spinning the rear wheels when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Pre-collision system (if equipped)
( P. 1 4 3 )

141
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC and TRAC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC and TRAC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn VSC
and TRAC off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free the vehi-
cle.
Push the button to turn off VSC
and TRAC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light
turns on.
Push the button again to turn the
sy
stem back on.
1
■Operating sounds and vibrations caus ed by the ABS, VSC & TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the ABS, VSC and TRAC sys -
tems are operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• A sound may be heard.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly while the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move forward slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Failure warning for VSC or TRAC system
If an error in the VSC or TRAC systems is
detected, the master warning light and
TRAC OFF indicator light comes on, a warning tone sounds. (P.334 )

143
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Pre-collision system (if equipped)
■The pre-collision system may not operate effectively in the following situations:
●When traveling through a curve with objects on the edge of the road.
●When traveling through a curve with another vehicle passing in the opposite
direction.
●Narrow iron bridges.
●Metallic objects on the road.
●A steel plate on the road (e.g., at a construction site).
●When waiting to turn to the left in an in tersection with another vehicle passing in
the opposite direction.
●If your vehicle approaches another vehicle ahead very quickly.
The vehicle reacts to a frontal collision the instant before it happens using fol-
lowing components.
■ Pre-collision sensor
Uses the radar to detect possible obst acles ahead. Sensors then determine in
advance whether a crash is unavoidable.
■ Pre-collision seat belts (Front seat belts only)
Helps enhance their restraint performance by quickly retracting if an acci -
dent is calculated to be inevitable.
■ Pre-collision brake assist system
Once an accident is calculated to be inevitable, increased braking force will
be applied once the brake pedal is pressed.
■ Electronically modulated air suspension control
Once an accident is calculated to be inevitable, the vehicle adjusts the damp -
ing action of the shock absorbers to help keep the vehicle level.

144
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Pre-collision system limitations
●The Pre-Collision System is designed to help reduce the crash speed and dam-
age in certain frontal collisions only. It is not a collision avoidance system and is
no
t a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on
many factors, such as speed, dr iver input and road conditions.
●The sensor is able to detect objects in front of the vehicle within 10 degrees on
either side. If the object is out of range, or there is little to no millimeter wave
reflection, the sensor will not detect the object.
●Even if the system is operative in a collisio n, unless the seat belts are worn and the
brake pedal is depressed, the pre-collision seat belts and brake assist system will
operate.
■Failure Warning
If an error is detected, the master warn i
ng light comes on, a warning tone sounds
and the following warning message appears on the multi-information display.
(  P.334 )

149
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate for the
prevailing weather and roadway conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids appropriate to the p revailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Inspect the level and specific gravity of battery electrolyte.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four sno w 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.
■ Befor
e driving the vehicle
Perform the following steps acco r
ding to the driving conditions.
●Do not forcibly try to open a window or move a wiper that has fro-
zen. Pour some warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. 
Wipe away the water immediately to pr
event 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 accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
●Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may
accumulate in the wheel well or brakes.

150
2-5. Driving information
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 tir
e chains for installa-
tion instructions.
●Retighten chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■If the chains are installed
The tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following installation, removal and care precautions.
• Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
• Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on front tir
es.
• Install the tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains af
ter driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
• Install tire chains following the inst ructions pr
ovided with the chains.
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and driv e at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■ When parking the v
ehicle
The parking brake may freeze up, prev enting it fr
om being released.,
Place the selector lever in P and park the vehicle without applying the
parking brake.

155
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
2000 lb. (907 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
■Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch
ma

nufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating speci -
fied for the trailer hitch.
• If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be consulted.
• Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
• Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
• Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After r
emoving the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of any substances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb . (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
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
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

156
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. 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 the tra iler
’s lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
• Practice turning, stopping and reversi ng with the tr
ailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you be come accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
• Reversing with a trailer attached is dif
ficult 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 yo ur hand to the right to move the
trailer to the right. (This is gene rally opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to redu ce the risk of an accident.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
sta

te/provincial requlations.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Direct splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunc -
tion.

157
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
• As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increas ed. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
• Avoid sudden braking as you may sk id, r
esulting 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 turn s, and slo
w down before making a
turn.
• Note that when making a turn, the tr ailer wheels will be closer than the
v
ehicle wheels to the inside of th e turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.
• Crosswinds and rough roads will ad v
ersely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Peri odically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If s
waying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehi cle and trailer will stabilize.
• Take care when passing other vehicl es. P
assing 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 br
aking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range position
must be in “4”, in the “S” mode.
• Due to the added load of the traile r
, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. 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” ( P.359 ).