Lexus LS500 (2022 year). Manual in english

297

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

Brake function (rear-crossing vehicles) dif-

fers from the detection area of the RCTA

function (



P.282). Therefore, even if the

RCTA function detects a vehicle and pro-

vides an alert, the Parking Support Brake

function (rear-crossing vehicles) may not

start operating.

■

Situations in which the system may not

operate properly



P.283

■

Situations in which the system may

operate even if there is no possibility of a

collision



P.284

: If equipped

When a pedestrian is detected behind
the vehicle while backing up, the brake
pedal is not depressed or is depressed
late.

Displays a message to urge the driver
to take evasive action when a pedes-
trian is detected in the detection area
behind the vehicle. (A message will
also be displayed on the multi-informa-

Parking Support Brake func-
tion (rear pedestrians)

If the rear camera sensor detects a
pedestrian behind the vehicle while
backing up and the system deter-
mines that the possibility of collid-
ing with the detected pedestrian is
high, a buzzer will sound. If the sys-
tem determines that the possibility
of colliding with the detected
pedestrian is extremely high, the
brakes will be applied automatically
to help reduce the impact of the
collision.

Examples of system operation

Center Display

298

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

tion display and head-up display [if
equipped].)

Pedestrian detection icon
Brake reminder

■

Parking Support Brake function (rear

pedestrians) will operate when

The function will operate when the PKSB

OFF indicator is not illuminated (



P.68)

and all of the following conditions are met:

●

Engine output restriction control

• The Parking Support Brake is enabled.

• The vehicle speed is 9 mph (15 km/h) or

less.

• The shift position is in R.

• The rear camera sensor detects a pedes-

trian behind the vehicle while backing up

and the system determines that the possi-

bility of colliding with the detected

pedestrian is high.

●

Brake control

• Engine output restriction control is oper-

ating.

• The Parking Support Brake determines

that an emergency brake operation is

necessary to avoid a collision with a

pedestrians.

■

The Parking Support Brake function

(rear pedestrians) will stop operating

when

The function will stop operating if any of the

following conditions are met:

●

Engine output restriction control

• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.

• The collision becomes avoidable with

normal brake operation.

• The pedestrian is no longer detected

behind your vehicle.

●

Brake control

• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.

• Approximately 2 seconds have elapsed

since the vehicle was stopped by brake

control.

• The brake pedal is depressed after the

vehicle is stopped by brake control.

• The pedestrian is no longer detected

behind your vehicle.

■

Re-enabling the Parking Support Brake

function (rear pedestrians)



P.293

■

Detection area of the Parking Support

Brake function (rear pedestrians)

The detection area of the Parking Support

Brake function (rear pedestrians) differs

from the detection area of the RCD func-

tion (



P.286). Therefore, even if the RCD

function detects a pedestrian and provides

an alert, the Parking Support Brake function

(rear pedestrians) may not start operating.

■

Situations in which the system may not

operate properly



P.287

■

Situations in which the system may

operate unexpectedly



P.287

WARNING

■

If the Parking Support Brake function

(rear pedestrians) operates unneces-

sarily

Depress the brake pedal immediately

after the Parking Support Brake function

(rear pedestrians) operates. (Operation

of the function is canceled by depressing

the brake pedal.)

■

Correct use of the Parking Support

Brake function (rear pedestrians)



P.285

299

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving



Vehicles without Adaptive Variable
Suspension System

Normal mode

Provides an optimal balance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.

Eco drive mode

Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.

Sport mode

Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing 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 forward, the
sport mode indicator will comes on.



Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System

Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models

Normal mode/Custom mode

Normal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When normal mode is selected, the normal
mode indicator comes on.
When custom mode is selected, the cus-
tom mode indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
• Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.

Driving mode select switch

The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving condition.

Selecting a drive mode

A
B

300

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati-
cally be selected according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
• Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the powertrain,
chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. (



P.316)

Comfort mode

By controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanced. Suitable for city
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
comfort mode indicator comes on.

Eco drive mode

Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned backward, the Eco
drive mode indicator comes on.

Sport mode

• Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile driving
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 forward, the
Sport S mode indicator comes on.
• Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con-

trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned forward, the Sport
S+ mode indicator comes on.

■

If the driving mode select switch is oper-

ated while the opening screen is being

displayed

If the driving mode select switch is operated

while the opening screen is being displayed,

the driving mode will be changed and the

meter display will change accordingly after

the opening screen operation has com-

pleted.

■

Operation of the air conditioning sys-

tem in Eco drive mode

Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-

ing operations and fan speed of the air con-

ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.

To improve air conditioning performance,

perform the following operations:

●

Turn off eco air conditioning mode

(



P.328)

●

Adjust the fan speed (



P.323)

●

Turn off Eco drive mode

■

Automatic deactivation of sport mode

and custom mode

If the engine switch is turned off after driv-

ing in sport mode or custom mode, the

drive mode will be changed to normal

mode.

■

Driving mode pop-up display

When the driving mode is changed, the

selected driving mode will be temporarily

displayed on the side display. (



P.317)

301

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

: If equipped

■

Situations in which the vehicle height

control may not operate properly

●

In the following situations, the vehicle

height may change slowly or may not

change to the correct height:

• When the vehicle comes into contact

with snow, ice, stone, etc.

• When the ambient temperature is low

• When the accumulator tank pressure is

low

●

In the following situations, the vehicle

height may not change:

• If the hood or trunk is not fully closed

• If the brake pedal depressed and the

vehicle is stopped

• When the vehicle is on a significantly

uneven or undulating road

• When the vehicle is on a slanted road or a

slope

■

Operating sound of the air suspension

compressor and valves

In the following situations the air suspension

compressor and valves may operate and a

sound may be heard, but this does not indi-

cate a malfunction.

●

When passengers enter or exit the vehi-

cle or cargo is loaded or unloaded, caus-

ing the vehicle height to change

●

When the height of the vehicle is

changed using the vehicle height adjust-

ment switch

●

When the doors are opened/closed

●

When the doors are locked/unlocked

■

When the accumulator tank pressure is

low

When the accumulator tank pressure is low,

the air suspension compressor and valves

may operate repeatedly even though the

vehicle height is not being changed. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

■

When “Air Suspension System Malfunc-

tion Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on

the multi-information display

The system may not operate properly. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.474)

Electronically modulated air
suspension

The height of the vehicle when driv-
ing can be selected using the vehi-
cle height adjustment switch. The
selected height level will be main-
tained regardless of the number of
passengers or weight of cargo.

Additionally, settings of the follow-
ing functions can be changed:



Enabling/Disabling controls of
access mode



Temporarily disabling vehicle
height control

WARNING

■

Precautions for the electronically

modulated air suspension

●

Even if the engine is not running, the

vehicle height may change through

vehicle height control. Be sure to keep

your hands and feet away from the

area underneath the vehicle and

between the tires and vehicle body.

Otherwise part of your body may get

caught, possibly causing an injury.

●

In situations such as the following,

make sure to disable all functions of

the vehicle height control of the elec-

tronically modulated air suspension.

Otherwise, the vehicle height may

change and part or your body may be

caught under the vehicle, possibly

causing injury.

• When the vehicle is parked on a curb

• If any of the wheels is not touching the

ground

302

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

To adjust the vehicle height to one
appropriate for road and driving con-
ditions, press the vehicle height adjust-
ment switch.
Turns high mode on/off.

When high mode is enabled, the high
mode indicator on the meter will illuminate.
The vehicle height will increase by approxi-
mately 0.8 in. (20 mm) from its normal
position.
When the vehicle height is increased by a
control of access mode press the vehicle

height adjustment switch twice to
enable/disable high mode.

■

The vehicle height adjustment switch

can be used to change the mode when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

System protection function

If the vehicle height is repeatedly increased

and decreased using the vehicle height

adjustment switch, etc., the system may not

operate temporarily.

In order to improve the ease of enter-
ing and exiting the vehicle, the vehicle
height will automatically increase when
the P shift position is selected and a
door is opened.
When any of the following conditions
are met, the vehicle will return to its

WARNING

• If the vehicle needs to be jacked up

• If the vehicle is to be tied down

• If the vehicle is to be towed

NOTICE

■

Parking precaution

●

If the vehicle is parked for a long time,

the vehicle height may change due to

changes in the ambient temperature.

When parking the vehicle, make sure

that the area above and below the

vehicle is clear, so that the vehicle will

not contact anything if its height

changes.

●

Be careful when parking the vehicle in

an area with a low ceiling or near low

hanging objects, as the vehicle height

will increase when passengers exit the

vehicle and exit control of access

mode operates.

●

When the doors are closed or locked,

the vehicle height may decrease.

When parking in a parking lot with a

device which raises to contact the bot-

tom of the vehicle, make sure to dis-

able the vehicle height control.

Selecting the vehicle height

WARNING

■

When operating the vehicle height

adjustment switch

When operating the vehicle height

adjustment switch, make sure to check

the safety of the area around the vehicle,

as the vehicle height may change and

part of someone’s body may be caught

under the vehicle, possibly causing injury.

Vehicle height control when
entering/exiting the vehicle
(“Access Mode”)

303

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

previous height:



A certain amount of time has
elapsed since the doors were closed



The vehicle speed reaches approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h)



The doors are locked using the
smart access system with push-but-
ton start or wireless remote control

■

Enabling/Disabling access mode

Press the

meter control

switch to select

Press the

meter control

switch to select “Vehicle Settings”
and then press

Press the

meter control

switch to select

and then

press .

Press the

meter control

switch to select “Access Mode” and
then press

The setting will change between
enabled/disabled each time the

meter control switch is pressed.

■

When the vehicle height has been

increased by a control of access mode

Press the vehicle height adjustment switch

with the engine switch in any mode to return

the vehicle to its previous vehicle height.

■

Access mode operation

●

Access mode will not operate if the vehi-

cle is not parked on a level road surface.

●

Depending on the current vehicle height,

access mode may not operate.

●

After the doors are unlocked, if access

mode operates, the vehicle height will

increase by approximately 0.8 in. (20

mm) from its normal position. After the

vehicle has been driven, if access mode

operates, the vehicle height will increase

by approximately 0.4 in. (10 mm) from its

normal position.

●

If the doors are opened and closed

repeatedly, the system may not operate

temporarily.

Vehicle height control can be tempo-
rarily disabled using the meter control
switches. (



P.78)

When to temporarily disable vehicle height
control:



P.301

Press

to select

Press

to select “Vehicle

Settings” and then press

Press

to select

and then press

Press

to select “Height

Control” and then press

This setting is memorized even if the
engine switch is turned off.

Even if the vehicle height control func-
tions are disabled, they will be enabled
automatically when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 19 mph (30
km/h).

Temporarily disabling vehicle
height control

304

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

■

ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System) (vehicles with Lexus
Safety System + A)

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.

■

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

■

Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill

■

VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)

Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in
accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement

■

DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if
equipped)

Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the
vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement.

■

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.

■

Active stabilizer suspension sys-
tem (if equipped)

Reduces sway when cornering accord-
ing to steering wheel movement in
order to maintain a stable vehicle pos-
ture.

■

Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (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

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

305

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. (



P.299)

■

LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling
system) (if equipped)

Provides integrated control of the
VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds,
responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering
wheel operation and vehicle speed.

■

VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management)

Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if
equipped), DRS (if equipped), active
stabilizer suspension system (if
equipped) and Adaptive Variable Sus-
pension System (if equipped)
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output,
steering assist, and steering ratio

■

The Secondary Collision Brake

When the SRS airbag sensor detects a
collision and the system operates, the
brakes and stop lights are automati-
cally controlled to reduce the vehicle
speed and help reduce the possibility
of further damage due to a secondary
collision.

■

When the TRAC/VSC systems are

operating (vehicles without Lexus

Safety System + A)

The slip indicator light will flash while the

TRAC/VSC systems are operating.

■

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are

operating (vehicles with Lexus Safety

System + A)

The slip indicator light will flash while the

TRAC/VSC/ABS 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 engine to the wheels. Pressing the

switch to turn the system off may make it

easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to

free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release the

switch.

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

Press the

switch again to turn the sys-

tem back on.

306

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

■

Turning both TRAC and VSC systems

To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off,
press and hold the

switch 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 the

switch again to turn the sys-

tem back on.

: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision

System), PCS will also be disabled (only
Pre-Collision warning is available). The
PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display. (



P.218,

229)

■

When the message is displayed on the

multi-information display showing that

TRAC has been disabled even if the

switch has not been pressed

TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the infor-

mation continues to show, contact your

Lexus dealer.

■

Operating conditions of hill-start assist

control

When the following four conditions are met,

the hill-start assist control will operate:

●

The shift position is in a position other

than P or N (when stating off for-

ward/backward on an upward incline)

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged

●

Engine switch is turned to IGNITION

ON mode

■

Automatic system cancelation of

hill-start assist control

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any

of the following situations:

●

Shift the shift position 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

●

Engine switch is turned Off

■

VGRS is disabled when

VGRS may stop operating in the following

situations.

In this event, the steering wheel may move

from its straight forward position, but it will

return when the system restarts.

●

When the steering wheel is operated for

an extended period of time while the

vehicle is stopped or is moving very

slowly (on vehicles with LDH, DRS is dis-

abled together with VGRS)

●

When the steering wheel has been held

fully to the left or right

The center position of the steering wheel

may change when VGRS is disabled. How-

ever, the position will return to normal after

VGRS is reactivated.

■

When the battery is disconnected (vehi-

cles with VGRS)

The steering wheel may move from its

straight forward position, but this will be

corrected automatically when driving.

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the

ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start

assist control and VGRS systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine

compartment when the brake pedal is

depressed repeatedly, when the engine is

started or just after the vehicle begins to

move. This sound does not indicate 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

307

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard also after

the vehicle comes to a stop.

• Vehicles without Lexus Safety System +

A: The brake pedal may pulsate slightly

after the ABS is activated.

• Vehicles without Lexus Safety System +

A: The brake pedal may move down

slightly after the ABS is activated.

■

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 engine.

■

EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a

motor sound (whirring sound) may be

heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC and

VSC systems

After turning the TRAC and VSC systems

off, the systems will be automatically

re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the engine 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.

■

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 engine off. The EPS system should

return to normal within 10 minutes.

■

Secondary Collision Brake operating

conditions

The system operates when the SRS airbag

sensor detects a collision while the vehicle

is in motion. However, the system does not

operate in any of the following situations.

●

When driving at a low speed

●

Components are damaged

■

Secondary Collision Brake automatic

cancellation

The system is automatically canceled in any

of the following situations.

●

The vehicle speed has decreased to a

certain speed

●

A certain amount of time elapses during

operation

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed a

large amount

■

When “Check VGRS System” or

“CHECK DRS” is displayed on the

multi-information display

The VGRS or DRS may not operate prop-

erly. Have the vehicle inspected by your

Lexus dealer.

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:

308

4-5. Using the driving support systems

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

WARNING

●

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.

■

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/VSC is activated

(vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-

tem + A)

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/ABS/VSC is acti-

vated (vehicles with Lexus Safety Sys-

tem + A)

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 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 systems off unless

necessary.

■

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 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.

■

Secondary Collision Brake

Do not rely solely upon the Secondary

Collision Brake. This system is designed

to help reduce the possibility of further

damage due to a secondary collision,

however, that effect changes according

to various conditions. Overly relying on

the system may result in death or serious

injury.

309

4-6. Driving tips

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

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 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 vehi-

cles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes.

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 seri-

ous 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.

■

When installing tire chains

Before installing tire chains, make sure to

disable all functions of the vehicle height

control of the electronically modulated

air suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle

height may change while installing the

tire chains and part or your body may be

caught under the vehicle, possibly caus-

ing injury. (



P.303)

■

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 LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

system.

310

4-6. Driving tips

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

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
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 shift the shift posi-
tion 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 acci-
dent.



Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size

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

Side chain (0.12 in. [3 mm] in diam-
eter)
Cross chain (0.16 in. [4 mm] in
diameter)



Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes

Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.

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 attach-

ment of snow tires affects the operation

of the tire pressure warning valves and

transmitters.

Before driving the vehicle

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

Selecting tire chains

311

4-6. Driving tips

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Driving

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 rear tires. Do not

install tire chains on the front tires.

●

Install tire chains on the rear 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.

To enable the windshield wipers to be
lifted when heavy snow or icy condi-
tions are expected, change the rest
position of the windshield wipers from
the retracted position below the hood
to the service position using the wiper
lever. (



P.191)

Regulations on the use of tire
chains

NOTICE

■

Fitting tire chains

The tire pressure warning valves and

transmitters may not function correctly

when tire chains are fitted.

Windshield wipers

313

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual