brakes LEXUS RX350 2019 Owner's Manual

350 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX350L_U If the Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function detects that a collision with an
approaching vehicle is possible, the engine output will be restricted to restrain
any increase in vehicle speed. (Engine ou tput restriction control: See A below.)
Additionally, if the accelerator pedal continues to be depressed, the brakes will
be applied automatically to reduce the vehicle speed. (Brake control: See B
below.)Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function (if equipped)

3774-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U Press the switch. The torque of the engine is distributed to
the rear wheels to the maximum extent
possible in accordance with driving con-
ditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels
all-wheel drive lock mode and returns
the Dynamic Torque Control AWD sys-
tem to normal mode. (  P. 379)■
All-wheel drive lock mode can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. ■
Automatic release for the all-wheel drive lock mode●
All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure the ABS
and VSC systems operate effectively. ●
All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models) All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.

378 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350/RX350L_U ◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆ 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.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill
◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheelDriving assist systems To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems operate auto-
matically in response to various drivin g situations. Be aware, however, that
these systems are supplementary and shou ld not be relied upon too heavily
when operating the vehicle.

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U ◆ Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from front-wh eel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions, help ing to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions wher e the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accele rating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspen sion System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helpin g 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. 374)
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integr ated 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

3834-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when ●
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice. ●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sw ay Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckle ss 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 appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stab ility and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Contro l systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC syst em and will not operate if VSC is turned off
or experiences a malfunction. ■
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 tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VS C systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension w ill affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause 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 Control 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 cause death or serious injury. ●
Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway by turning the steering wheel.●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately 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. 226)

384
RX350/RX350L_U 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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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 an d 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

390 4-6. Driving tips
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
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 effectiveness 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 underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur. ●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, 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, transmission and transfer (AWD models only)
case, reducing the gear oi l’s lubricating qualities.■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing 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 afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

5877-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX350/RX350L_U * : Vehicles with single-beam headlightsVehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal sh ould 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. 704)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (  P. 704)
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 no t 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. 628)
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 belts 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 any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.

6458-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
RX350/RX350L_U 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 emergencyOnly 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
WARNING ■
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 heav ier to turn. Decelerate as much as possi-
ble before turning off the engine. 5

648 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350/RX350L_U 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 em ergency, 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 st eer 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)