brakes LEXUS NX300h 2015 Owner's Manual

312 4-5. Using the driving support systems
NX300h_U_OM78007U ■
The pre-collision system is operational when
The pre-collision system is on (  P. 311) and the following conditions are met:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater th an about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running
ahead of you is greater than about 7 mph (10 km/h). ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• The VSC is not turned off.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running
ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed. ●
Pre-collision braking:
• The VSC is not turned off.
• Vehicle speed is greater th an about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running
ahead of you is greater than about 7 mph (10 km/h).■
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a collision
If the following obstructs the front of the sens or, the system judges that a collision may be
possible and operates. ●
When passing by a vehicle while making left or right turns or passing a vehicle in an
opposite lane. ●
When the vehicle rapidly approaches an object in front of it (such as another vehicle,
toll gate, etc.) ●
When climbing a steep hill, etc., and there are structures in the upper region of the road
(billboards, low ceilings , street lamps, etc.)●
When driving through narrow passages or places with low ceilings (bridges, tunnels,
overhead passes, etc.) ●
When driving on an uneven road surface ●
When metal objects are on the road surface causing level differences or protrusions in
the road ●
When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs ●
When the radar sensor moves off position du e to its surrounding area being subjected
to a strong impact. ●
When there is an obstacle on the side of an entrance of a curb for road (guardrails, etc.) ●
When your vehicle is tilted upwards (due to towing a trailer or during emergency tow-
ing, heavy loads in the lu ggage compartment, etc.).
When the system is activated in the situations described above, ther e is also a possibility
that the brakes will be applied wi th a force greater than normal.■
Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plasti c obstacles such as traffic co nes. There may also be occa-
sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles, trees,
or snowdrifts.

324 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007UHybrid vehicle driving tips ◆ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torq ue corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (  P. 3 0 3 )
◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. (  P. 100)
◆ Shift lever operation
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, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ●
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) wi thout having to use gasoline engine
power. ●
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆ When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3254-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U ◆ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, 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 drivin g in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆ Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆ Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce th e burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
◆ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.
◆ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

326 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007UWinter driving tips ●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid ●
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery. ●
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires
* . Ensure that all tires are the same size and br and, and that chains match the size of the
tires.
* : Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 225/60R18 tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: ●
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately 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. ●
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes. ●
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

3274-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.●
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P and block the wheel under the
vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up,
preventing it from being released. When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. (  P. 2 1 3 )●
If the vehicle is left parked with the br akes damp in cold temperatures, there is
a possibility of the brakes freezing.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size. 
Vehicles with 225/65R17 tires
Side chain:
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Cross chain:
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length 
Vehicles with 225/60R18 tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 225/60R18 tires. Snow tires should be
use instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains 1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains

332 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle: ●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places. ●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim. ●
Always check your brakes for effectivenes s immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow. ●
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, et c. adhering or trap ped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underb ody, a breakdown or fire could occur.●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrai n, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE ■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery
(traction battery), hybrid system or other components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under the
rear seats to short circuit. ●
Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor) will
cause deterioration in transmission qualit y. The malfunction indicator may come on,
and the vehicle may not be drivable. ●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing qualities. ■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water. ■
Inspection after off-road driving ●
Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components. ●
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terr ain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

4957-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
NX300h_U_OM78007U Vehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? (  P. 6 1 4 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (  P. 6 1 4 )
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints • Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Hybrid transmission “Park”
mechanism • When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake • Does the parking brake switch operate normally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts •Do the seat belt s operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of
free play?
• There should not be an y strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.

560 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
NX300h_U_OM78007U If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed
truck, it should be tied down at the
locations shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie down
your vehicle, the angles shaded in black
must be 45  .
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or
the vehicle may be damaged.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily
towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. This
should only be attempted on hard su rfaced roads for short distances at low
speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drive train, axles, steering an d brakes must be in good condition.Using a flat bed truck Front
Emergency towing

5618-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
NX300h_U_OM78007U Take out the towing eyelet. (  P. 5 76 )
Remove the eyelet cover using a flat-
head screwdriver. To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehi-
cle body as shown in the illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the hole
and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
Securely attach a cable or chain to the towing eyelet. Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
Enter the vehicle being towed and start the hybrid system. If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to ON mode.
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake. When the shift lever cannot be shifted:  P. 5 9 1■
While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not function,
marking steering and braking more difficult. ■
Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage compartment. (  P. 5 76 )Installing towing eyelets 1
2
3
4
5
6
7

570 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediat ely and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehi-
cle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the ABS system may fail, which
could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. ■
When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the assist to the power steering is restricted. When the
light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is lost and handling operations of
the steering wheel become extremely heavy. When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than
usual. ■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury. ●
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure
immediately. ●
If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it
with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer. ●
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes. ■
If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.