brakes LEXUS RX350 2016 Owner's Manual

3754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U ◆ Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions, he lping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions wher e the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uph ill, starting off or accele rating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helping achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more su itable for sporty driving. (  P. 3 7 0 )
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and engine output
◆ Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing dr iving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experi ences a malfunction.

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U WA R N I N G ■
Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when ●
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice. ●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. ■
When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed ap propriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle st ability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels. ■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may caus e a system to malfunction.■
Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Co ntrol system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly. ■
If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may caus e death or serious injury.●
Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel. ●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal i mmediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (  P. 2 1 5 )

380
RX350_U_OM48E90U 4-6. Driving tips
●
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 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 of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the 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.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.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

386 4-6. Driving tips
RX350_U_OM48E90U WA R N I N G ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, 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, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on 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 engine or other
components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage. ●
Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompan ied by vibration, and ultimately damage.●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the differential, tr ansmission and transfer (AWD models only)
case, reducing the gear o il’s lubricating 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”.

5677-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX350_U_OM48E90U * : Vehicles with sing le-beam headlightsVehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? (  P. 6 8 0 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (  P. 6 8 0 )
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?
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
* (  P. 6 0 8 )
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.

6258-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
RX350_U_OM48E90U Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N. 
If the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the engine. 
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as
much as possible.
To stop the engine, press and hold
the engine switch for 2 consecutive
seconds or more, or press it briefly 3
times or more in succession.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way, stop the vehicl e using the following procedure:1
2
3
4
3
Press and hold for 2 seconds or more,
or press briefly 3 times or more4
WA R N I N G ■
If the engine has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the brake pedal
harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possi-
ble before turning off the engine. 5

628 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350_U_OM48E90U If your vehicle 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 cables or chains secured to the emergency towing eyelets. This
should only be attempted on hard surf aced roads for at most 50 miles (80 km)
at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
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 flatbed truck Front
Emergency towing (vehicles with towing eyelets)

630 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
While towing
If the engine is not running, 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. 6 4 7 )
WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ■
When towing the vehicle 
2WD models 
AW D m o d e l s
■
While towing ●
When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessive
stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eyelets, cables or chains
may become damaged, broken debris may hit people, and cause serious damage. ●
Do not turn the engine switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be operated.■
Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing ey elets may come loose during towing.Be sure to transport the vehicle with the front
wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off
the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front
wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain
and related parts may be damaged.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four
wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the
drivetrain or related parts may be damaged,
the vehicle may fly off the truck.

6398-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RX350_U_OM48E90U 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.

6538-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RX350_U_OM48E90U WA R N I N G ■
When holding a tire with Selectable Color Trim (if equipped)
■
Replacing a flat tire ●
Do not touch the disc wheels or the area around the brakes immediately after the
vehicle has been driven.
After the vehicle has been driven the disc wheels and the area around the brakes will
be extremely hot. Touching these areas with hands, feet or other body parts while
changing a tire, etc. may result in burns. ●
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the tire
to fall off, resulting in death or serious injury.
• Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened, leading to
bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts
to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a serious accident.
Remove any oil or grease from the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
• Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf (103 N•m,
10.5 kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels.
• When installing a tire, only use wheel nuts that have been specifically designed for
that wheel.
• If there are any cracks or deformations in the bolt screws, nut threads or bolt holes
of the wheel, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.■
Replacing a flat tire for vehicles with power back door
In cases such as when replacing tires, make sure to turn off the power back door main
switch (  P. 100). Failure to do so may cause the back door to operate unintentionally
if the power back door switch is accidentally touched, resulting in hands and fingers
being caught and injured.Do not hold the tire by the Selectable Color
Trim. Otherwise, the Selectable Color Trim
may be damaged or may fall off causing the tire
to drop, possibly causing injury.