Lexus NX300h (2021 year). Manual in english

269

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Driving

spaces next to your vehicle

●

Vehicles backing up in the parking space
next to your vehicle

: Depending on conditions, detection of a

vehicle and/or object may occur.

■

Conditions under which the Rear Cross

Traffic Alert function may not function

correctly

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may

not detect vehicles correctly in the follow-

ing conditions:

●

During bad weather such as heavy rain,

fog, snow, etc.

●

When ice or mud, etc., is attached to the

rear bumper

●

When multiple vehicles approach contin-

uously

●

Shallow angle parking

●

When a vehicle is approaching at high

speed

●

When backing up on a slope with a sharp

change in grade

●

When backing out of a sharp angle park-

ing spot

●

When parking on a steep incline, such as

hills, a dip in the road, etc.

●

Directly after the BSM main switch is set

to on

●

Directly after the hybrid system is started

with the BSM main switch on

●

Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect

because of obstacles

●

Instances of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert

function unnecessary detecting a vehicle

and/or object may increase in the follow-

ing situations:

• When a vehicle passes by the side of your

vehicle

• When the parking space faces a street

and vehicles are being driven on the

street

• When the distance between your vehicle

and metal objects, such as a guardrail,

wall, sigh, or parked vehicle, which may

reflect electrical waves toward the rear of

the vehicle, is short

270

4-5. Using the driving support systems



Vehicles without Adaptive Variable
Suspension System

Normal mode
For normal driving.

Press the switch to change the driving
mode to Normal mode when selected to
Eco mode or Sport mode.

Eco mode

In contrast to Normal mode when stepping
on the accelerator pedal, torque genera-
tion becomes slower, air conditioning
operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for
improved fuel consumption.
When not in Eco mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left,

WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the sys-

tem

The driver is solely responsible for safe

driving. Always drive safely, taking care

to observe your surroundings.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is

only an assist and is not a replacement for

careful driving. Driver must be careful

when backing up, even when using Rear

Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s

own visual confirmation of behind you

and your vehicle is necessary and be sure

there are no pedestrians, other vehicles,

etc., before backing up. Failure to do so

could cause death or serious injury.

According to conditions, the system may

not function correctly. Therefore the

driver’s own visual confirmation of safety

is necessary.

Driving mode select switch

The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving conditions.

Selecting a driving mode

271

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Driving

“Eco” indicator will be shown on the multi-
information display.

Sport mode

Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the hybrid system and steering.
Suitable for when precise handling is desir-
able, for example when driving on moun-
tain roads.
When not in Sport mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display and the hybrid
system indicator changes to the tachome-
ter. (



P.84)



Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System

Normal/Custom mode

Press the switch and select Normal mode
or Custom mode. Each time the switch is
pressed, the system changes between
Normal mode and Custom mode. When
Custom mode is selected, the “Custom”
indicator comes on.
When in Eco mode or Sport mode, when
the switch is pressed, the system returns to

Normal mode. Press the switch to change
the driving mode to Normal mode when
selected to Eco mode or Sport mode.
Custom mode can be setup on the naviga-
tion system or multimedia system screen.
• Normal mode
Suitable when driving in the city, for good
fuel consumption efficiency, silence, and
drive-ability.
• Custom mode
Driving is possible by setting the desired
function for power train control, chassis
control or air conditioning operations.
Custom mode settings can only be
changed using the Remote Touch.
(



P.286)

Eco mode

Sport mode

• Sport S mode
Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the hybrid system and transmission.
Suitable for when powerful acceleration is
desirable.
When not in Sport S mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport S” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.
• Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure superior vehicle stability
by simultaneously controlling the steering
and suspension in addition to the hybrid
system and transmission. Suitable for
sporty driving.

272

4-5. Using the driving support systems

When in Sport S mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport S+” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.

■

Operation of the air conditioning sys-

tem in Eco mode

Eco 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 mode.

■

When canceling Eco mode/Sport mode

●

Select another driving mode. Also, Sport

mode will be canceled automatically

when the power switch is turned off.

●

Normal mode and Eco mode will not be

canceled automatically until another driv-

ing mode is selected, even if the power

switch is turned off.

■

Operating the ASC (Active Sound

Control)

If the ASC is ON, an electronic sound plays

when the Sport S+ mode is selected.

■

Customization

The Custom mode can be changed. (Cus-

tomizable features:



P.443)

■

ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System)

The electronically controlled system
generates braking force correspond-
ing to the brake operation

■

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the
brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a
slippery road surface

■

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of brak-
ing force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a
panic stop situation

■

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding
when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.

■

Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehi-
cle Stability Control)

Provides cooperative control of the
ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.

Driving assist systems

To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.

Summary of the driving assist
systems

273

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Driving

Helps to maintain directional stability
when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering perfor-
mance.

■

Trailer Sway Control

Helps the driver to control trailer sway
by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing
driving torque when trailer sway is
detected.

■

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads

■

Active Cornering Assist (ACA)

Helps to prevent the vehicle from drift-
ing to the outer side by performing
inner wheel brake control when
attempting to accelerate while turning

■

Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment 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 wheel

■

E-Four

Electronic On-Demand AWD system.
Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are

when cornering, going uphill, starting
off or accelerating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain,
etc.

■

AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspen-
sion system) (if equipped)

By independently controlling the
damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stability, and helps good
vehicle posture. If Sport S+ mode is
selected using the driving mode select
switch, the damping force will become
more suitable for sporty driving.
(



P.270)

■

PCS (Pre-Collision System)



P.211

■

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if
equipped)



P.262

■

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer

Sway Control systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash while the

TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control

systems are operating.

■

Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing

274

4-5. Using the driving support systems

to turn the system off may make it eas-

ier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release

The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press

again to turn the system back on.

■

Turning off both TRAC, VSC and Trailer

Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway
Control systems off, press and hold

for

more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is
stopped. The VSC OFF indicator light will
come on and the “Traction Control Turned
Off” will be shown on the multi-information
display.

Press

again to turn the system

back on.

: On vehicles with pre-collision system,

pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.217)

■

When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if

has

not been pressed

TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the infor-

mation continues to show, contact your

Lexus dealer.

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the

ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway

Control, TRAC and hill-start assist con-

trol systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine

compartment when the brake pedal is

depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid

system is started or just after the vehicle

begins to move. This sound does not indi-

cate that a malfunction has occurred in

any of these systems.

●

Any of the following conditions may

occur when the above systems are oper-

ating. None of these indicates that a mal-

function has occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle

body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard also after

the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

ECB operating sound

ECB operating sound may be heard in the

following cases, but it does not indicate that

a malfunction has occurred.

●

Operating sound heard from the engine

compartment when the brake pedal is

operated.

●

Motor sound of the brake system heard

from the front part of the vehicle when

the driver’s door is opened.

●

Operating sound heard from the engine

compartment when one or two minutes

passed after the stop of the hybrid sys-

tem.

■

Active Cornering Assist operation

sounds and vibrations

When the Active Cornering Assist is oper-

ated, operation sounds and vibrations may

be generated from the brake system, but

this is not a malfunction.

275

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Driving

■

EPS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a

motor sound (whirring sound) may be

heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-

tem

The effectiveness of the EPS system is

reduced to prevent the system from over-

heating when there is frequent steering

input over an extended period of time. The

steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.

Should this occur, refrain from excessive

steering input or stop the vehicle and turn

the hybrid system off. The EPS system

should return to normal within 10 minutes.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer

Sway Control and VSC systems

After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Con-

trol and VSC systems off, the systems will

be automatically re-enabled in the following

situations:

●

When the power switch is turned off

●

If only the TRAC system is turned off, the

TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed

increases

If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases.

■

Operating conditions of Active Corner-

ing Assist

The system operates when the following

occurs.

●

TRAC/VSC can operate

●

The driver is attempting to accelerate

while turning

●

The system detects that the vehicle is

drifting to the outer side

●

The brake pedal is released

■

Operating conditions of hill-start assist

control

When the following four conditions are met,

the hill-start assist control will operate:

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P

or N (when starting off forward/back-

ward on an upward incline)

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged

■

Automatic system cancelation of hill-

start assist control

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any

of the following situations:

●

The shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed

●

The parking brake is engaged

●

2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the

brake pedal is released

WARNING

■

The ABS does not operate effectively

when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance

have been exceeded (such as exces-

sively worn tires on a snow covered

road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving

at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS is

operating may exceed that of normal

conditions

The ABS is not designed to shorten the

vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-

tain a safe distance from the vehicle in

front of you, especially in the following

situations:

●

When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-

covered roads

●

When driving with tire chains

●

When driving over bumps in the road

●

When driving over roads with potholes

or uneven surfaces

■

TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-

tively when

Directional control and power may not

be achievable while driving on slippery

road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC

system is operating. Drive the vehicle

carefully in conditions where stability and

power may be lost.

276

4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

Active Cornering Assist does not

operate effectively when

●

Do not overly rely on Active Corner-

ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist

may not operate effectively when

accelerating down slopes or driving on

slippery road surfaces.

●

When Active Cornering Assist fre-

quently operates, Active Cornering

Assist may temporarily stop operating

to ensure proper operation of the

brakes, TRAC and VSC.

■

Hill-start assist control does not oper-

ate 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 control is not intended to hold

the vehicle stationary for an extended

period of time. Do not attempt to use

hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-

cle on an incline, as doing so may lead

to an accident.

■

When the TRAC/ABS/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

appropriate to the road conditions. As

these are the systems to help ensure

vehicle stability and driving force, do not

turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-

trol systems off unless necessary. Trailer

Sway Control is part of the VSC system

and will not operate if VSC is turned off

or experiences a malfunction.

■

Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the speci-

fied size, brand, tread pattern and total

load capacity. In addition, make sure that

the tires are inflated to the recom-

mended tire inflation pressure level. The

ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and

VSC 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

modifying the suspension will 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 situa-

tions. Depending on many factors such

as the conditions 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 seri-

ous injury.

●

Firmly grip the steering wheel. 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.273)

277

4-6. Driving tips

Driving

4-6.Driving tips

When using Eco mode, the torque cor-
responding to the accelerator pedal
depression amount can be generated
more smoothly than it is in normal con-
ditions. In addition, the operation of the
air conditioning system (heating/cool-
ing) will be minimized, improving the
fuel economy. (



P.270)

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area.
(



P.87)

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 (trac-
tion battery) power is consumed.



Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.



Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.

Make sure to operate the brakes gently
and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.

Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, 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 overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.

Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:

Using Eco mode

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

Shift lever operation

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation

When braking

Delays

278

4-6. Driving tips

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.

Use the air conditioning only when
necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce
the burden on the air conditioning sys-
tem 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 consump-
tion can be improved by avoiding over-
use of the heater.

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 tires that are appropriate for the
season.

Carrying heavy luggage will lead to
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large
roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.

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 repeat-
edly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

Highway driving

Air conditioning

Checking tire inflation pressure

Luggage

Warming up before driving

279

4-6. Driving tips

Driving



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
brand, 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

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.

Preparation for winter

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 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), which-

ever 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

maintained.

●

Do not use LDA (Lane Departure

Alert with steering control) (if

equipped).

●

Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

(if equipped).

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 and

attachment of snow tires affects the

operation of the tire pressure warning

valves and transmitters.

Before driving the vehicle

280

4-6. Driving tips

melt the ice. Wipe away the water
immediately 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 accumu-
lated 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.

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 park-
ing 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 lead-
ing to an accident.

When the parking brake is in automatic
mode, release the parking brake after shift-

ing the shift lever to P. (



P.184)



If the vehicle is left parked with the
brakes damp in cold temperatures,
there is a possibility of the brakes
freezing.



If the vehicle is parked without set-
ting 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 position 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 vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.

Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains. Chain size is
regulated for each tire size.



Vehicles with 225/65R17 tires

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

When parking the vehicle without apply-

ing the parking brake, make sure to

chock the wheels. If you do not chock the

wheels, the vehicle may move unexpect-

edly, possibly resulting in an accident.

Selecting tire chains

281

4-6. Driving tips

Driving

Side chain:

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Cross chain:

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length



Vehicles with 225/60R18 tires

Tire chains cannot be mounted on the
225/60R18 tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.

Regulations regarding the use of tire
chains vary depending on location and
type of road. Always check local regu-
lations before installing chains.

■

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 instruc-

tions provided with the tire chains.

Regulations on the use of tire
chains

A
B
C

E
F

NOTICE

■

Fitting tire chains

The tire pressure warning valves and

transmitters may not function correctly

when tire chains are fitted.

282

4-6. Driving tips



Specific design characteristics give
it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi-
cle design feature causes this type
of vehicle to be more likely to roll-
over. Utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.



It is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as ordinary pas-
senger cars any more than low-
slung sports cars designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at
excessive speeds may cause roll-
over.

Your vehicle is not designed to be
driven off-road. However, in the event
that off-road driving cannot be
avoided, please observe the following
precautions to help avoid the areas
prohibited to vehicles.



Drive your vehicle only in areas
where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.



Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before entering
private property.



Do not enter areas that are closed.
Honor gates, barriers and signs that

Utility vehicle precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility
vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower
tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.

Utility vehicle feature

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following precau-

tions to minimize the risk of death or seri-

ous injury or damage to your vehicle:

●

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person

is significantly more likely to die than a

person wearing a seat belt. Therefore,

the driver and all passengers should

always fasten their seat belts.

●

Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-

vers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle correctly

may result in loss of control or vehicle

rollover causing death or serious

injury.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage

carrier (if equipped) will make the cen-

ter of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid

high speeds, sudden starts, sharp

turns, sudden braking or abrupt

maneuvers, otherwise it may result in

loss of control or vehicle rollover due

to failure to operate this vehicle cor-

rectly.

●

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.

Because of its profile and higher cen-

ter of gravity, your vehicle is more sen-

sitive to side winds than an ordinary

passenger car. Slowing down will allow

you to have better control.

●

Do not drive horizontally across steep

slopes. Driving straight up or straight

down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any

similar off-road vehicle) can tip over

sideways much more easily than for-

ward or backward.

Off-road driving

283

4-6. Driving tips

Driving

restrict travel.



Stay on established roads. When
conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel
delayed to prevent damage to
roads.



Avoid driving on very steep, slippery
roads and other surfaces, such as
sand, where the tires are liable to
lose traction. Your vehicle may not
perform as well as conventional
AWD on-road vehicles on these
surfaces.

■

Additional information for off-road driv-

ing



For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and

Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information pertaining

to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the

following organizations.

●

State and Local Parks and Recreation

Departments

●

State Motor Vehicle Bureau

●

Recreational Vehicle Clubs

●

U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land

Management

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following precau-

tions to minimize the risk of death or seri-

ous injury or damage to your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the road. Do

not take unnecessary risks by driving in

dangerous 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 effec-

tiveness 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, etc. adhering or trapped to the

underbody. Clear off any such matter

from the underbody. If the vehicle is

used with these materials trapped or

adhering to the underbody, a break-

down or fire could occur.

●

When driving off-road or in rugged

terrain, 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

vehicle’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 compart-

ment may cause severe damage to the

hybrid system. Water entering the inte-

rior may cause the hybrid battery

stowed under the rear seats to short

circuit.

●

Water entering the hybrid transmis-

sion and rear electric motor (traction

motor) will cause deterioration in

transmission quality. The malfunction

indicator may come on, and the vehi-

cle may not be drivable.

●

Water can wash the grease from wheel

bearings, causing rusting and prema-

ture failure, and may also enter the

hybrid transmission case, reducing the

gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

284

4-6. Driving tips

NOTICE

■

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 sys-

tem components.

●

Always perform a maintenance

inspection after 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”.

Lexus NX300h (2021 year). Manual in english - page 16