LEXUS RX300H 2017 Owners Manual

3314-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Conditions under which the RCTA function will not detect a vehicle
The RCTA function is not designed to dete ct the following types of vehicles and/or objects:
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
●Vehicles backing up in a parking space next to your vehicle
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi cles and similar stationary objects*
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
*: Depending on the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect due to obstructions

3324-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Conditions under which the RCTA function may not function correctly
●The RCTA function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surround- ing area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet with standing water during bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
• Immediately after the hybrid system is started with the BSM main switch on
• When backing up on a slope with a sharp
change in grade
• When backing out of a shallow angle park- ing spot
• When the sensors cannot detect a vehicle due to obstructions

3334-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●Instances of the RCTA function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase in the following situations:
• When a vehicle passes by the side of your vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and metal objects, such as a guardrail,
wall, sign, or parked vehicle, which may reflect electrical waves toward the rear of the vehicle, is short
• When the parking space faces a street and vehicles are being driven on the street

334
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque 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 (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. ( P. 301)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 119)
◆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, when using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without 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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆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.
◆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 driving 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 constant 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 the 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 av oiding 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 amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.

3364-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆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 repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine 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 rear tires.*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with 19-inch 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, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Winter driving tips
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.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

3384-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
●If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any other posi-
tion without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P,
there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by
your authorized Lexus retailer or Lexu s authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Except for vehicles with 19- inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Vehicles with 19- inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2

3394-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 0.5
 1.0 km (1/4  1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit spec ified for the tire chains being used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-tained.
●Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Do not use the LDA system.

3404-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.