air LEXUS RX450H 2019 Workshop Manual

3514-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■Situations in which the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function may operate even if there
is no possibility of a collision
In some situations such as the following, the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function may
operate even though there is no possibility of a collision.
●Vehicle surroundings
• When driving toward a banner, flag, low- hanging branch or boom barrier (such as
those used at railroad crossing s, toll gates and parking lots).
• When driving on a narrow path surrounded by a structure, such as in a tunnel or on
an iron bridge
• When parallel parking
• When there is a rut or hole in the surface of the road
• When driving on a metal cover (grating), such as those used for drainage ditches
• When driving on a steep slope
• If a sensor is hit by a large amount of wa ter, such as when driving on a flooded road
●Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return to
normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in inclemen t weather such as fog, snow or a sandstorm
●Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehi-
cles, the clearance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sens or has been changed due to a collision or other impact
• When driving on a narrow road
• When driving on a gravel road or in an
area with tall grass

3524-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■If the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function operates unnecessarily such as at a railroad
crossing
Even in the event that the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function operates unnecessarily,
such as at a railroad crossing, brake cont rol will be canceled after approximately 2 sec-
onds, allowing you to proceed forward and leave the area, Brake control can also be
canceled by depressing the brake pedal. Depressing the accelerator pedal again will
allow you to proceed forward and leave the area.
■Situations in which the Intelligent Cleara nce Sonar Brake function may not operate
properly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.
●Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return to
normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in inclemen t weather such as fog, snow or a sandstorm
●Vehicle surroundings
• When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a detected
object
• If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front of the
vehicle or runs out from the side of the vehicle.
●Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehi- cles, the clearance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sens or has been changed due to a collision or other impact
• When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold
• When strong winds are blowing

3604-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■Situations in which the system may operate ev en though there is no possibility of a colli-
sion
In some situations such as the following, th e Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function may
operate even though there is no possibility of a collision.
●When the parking space faces a street and
vehicles are being driven on the street
●When a detected vehicle turns while
approaching the vehicle
●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 there are spinning objects near your vehicle such as the fan of an air condi-
tioning unit
• When water is splashed or sprayed toward the rear bumper, such as from a sprinkler

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, maki ng it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
1
2
3

3814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile drivin g response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. Suitable for sportier driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the power switch is turned off after driv ing in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the sele cted driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. ( P. 504)
FunctionSetting
Powertrain
Normal
Power
Eco
ChassisNormal
Sport
Air conditioning systemNormal
Eco
2
3

388
RX450h_RX450hL_U4-6. 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 (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (P. 379)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPOR T models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. ( P. 99)
◆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 (tractio n 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) 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.
◆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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3894-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
◆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 ti me 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 pr essure 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 tires 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 an d 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.

3904-6. Driving tips
RX450h_RX450hL_U
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power cont rol 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 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

3924-6. Driving tips
RX450h_RX450hL_U
To enable the windshield wi pers to be lifted when heavy snow or icy conditions
are expected, change the rest position of the windshield wipers from the
retracted position below the hood to th e service position using the wiper lever.
(
P. 270)
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving
1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire chains.
Windshield wipers
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 vehi cle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h ), regardless of the type of 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 specified for the tire chains being used, or
30 mph (50 km/h), 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 cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
●Do not use the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.

3934-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal an d attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valv es and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.