Lexus NX (2022 year). Manual in english — page 12

Cold weather driving tips

Things to check before driving in cold weather

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 accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.

●

Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.

Precautions for driving in cold weather

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

Precautions for parking in cold weather

●

Turn automatic mode of the parking brake off. Otherwise, the parking brake
may freeze and not be able to be released automatically.
Also, avoid using the following as the parking brake may operate automatically,
even if automatic mode is off.

•

Brake hold system

●

Park the vehicle and shift the shift position 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 unexpect-
edly, possibly leading to an accident.

●

When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after
change the shift position to P.

●

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P.

●

Park the vehicle and change the shift podition to P without setting the parking
brake.

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200

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 accident.

●

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

INFORMATION

■

Linked mirror function when reversing

When used in cold weather during reverse driving, the door mirror could be frozen and
may not automatically point the mirror surface downward. In this event, remove any ice
and snow from the mirror surface.

Warming the windshield to allow frozen wipers to be moved

*

Vehicles with Heated Windshield Defroster:
Use the Heated Windshield Defroster to help prevent the windshield wiper blades
from freezing to the windshield.
Select the [Deicer]switch.

The Heated Windshield Defroster will not operate if the outside temperature is 5°C (41°F)
or higher.
The Heated Windshield Defroster will automatically turn off in 4 minutes.

Vehicles with windshield wiper de-icer:
Use the windshield wiper de-icer to help prevent the windshield wiper blades from
freezing to the windshield.
Select the [Deicer] switch on the option screen.

The windshield wiper de-icer will automatically turn off after a period of time.

WARNING

Vehicles with windshield wiper de-icer: Do not touch the lower part of the windshield or
parts along the front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on, as they will be hot
and may cause burns.

* :

If equipped

3-5. Driving when it is cold

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3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

Fog light illumination

When driving in inclement weather, such as in rain and fog, turn on the front fog
lights to ensure forward visibility and turn on the rear fog lights to make your
vehicle more visible to following vehicles.

Using the fog lights

NOTICE

To prevent battery discharge, do not leave the lights on longer than necessary with the
engine stopped.

▶

Rear fog light switch

1

Turns the rear fog light off

2

Turns the rear fog light on

Releasing the switch ring returns it to

.

Operating the switch ring again turns the rear
fog light off.

INFORMATION

■

Fog lights can be used when

The headlights are on.

3-6. Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

202

▶

Front and rear fog light switch

1

Turns the front and rear fog lights off

2

Turns the front fog lights on

3

Turns both the front fog lights and the

rear fog light on

Releasing the switch ring returns it to

.

Operating the switch ring again turns only the
rear fog light off.

INFORMATION

■

Fog lights can be used when

Front fog lights: The front position lights are turned on.
Rear fog light: The front fog lights are turned on.

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203

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Sounding the horn

Press on or close to the

mark.

3-6. Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

204

Utility vehicle precautions

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

●

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

●

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems.

●

It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause
rollover.

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious 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 maneuvers, 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 center 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 correctly.

●

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of
gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive 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 forward or backward.

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3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Off-road driving

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 permitted to travel.

●

Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private prop-
erty.

●

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

●

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

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take 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, 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 breakdown 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 engine or other
components does not occur.

3-7. Utility vehicle precautions

206

NOTICE

●

Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.

●

Water entering the transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of
your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage.

●

Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing
the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

■

When you drive through water

If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water.

■

Inspection after off-road driving

●

Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components.

●

Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.

3-7. Utility vehicle precautions

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Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Changing the driving characteristics

Driving modes

The following driving modes can be used according to the driving/usage condi-
tions.

Characteristics of each driving mode

Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System:

■

Normal mode

Suitable when driving in the city, for good fuel consumption efficiency, silence, and
drive-ability.

■

Eco mode

In contrast with Normal mode, torque generation is slower when stepping on the
accelerator pedal, air conditioning operations (heating/cooling) are restrained,
and driving becomes suited for improved fuel consumption.

■

Sport mode

Helps to ensure steering feel and accelerator response by controlling the engine
and transmission. Suitable for sporty, fun driving, such as when driving on mountain
roads.
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System:

■

Normal/Custom mode

●

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 on the drive mode customization display of the center display.

■

Eco mode

In contrast to Normal mode when stepping on the accelerator pedal, torque
generation becomes slower, air conditioning operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for improved fuel consumption.

■

Sport mode

●

Sport S mode

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Through control of the engine and transmission, the generated torque when the
accelerator pedal is depressed is increased. Making this mode suitable for when
powerful acceleration is desired.

●

Sport S+ mode
Through control of the engine and transmission, the generated torque when
the accelerator pedal is depressed is further increased, and excellent stability
is provided through comprehensive control of the steering and suspension.
Making this mode suitable for sporty driving.

INFORMATION

■

Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco mode

●

In the Eco mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency.

•

Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity

•

Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations.

•

Adjust the fan speed

•

Adjust the temperature setting

•

Turn off Eco mode

●

When the driving mode is set to Eco mode, the air conditioning system may automati-
cally change to Eco mode. To cancel eco mode, press [Eco heat/cool].

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3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Changing the driving mode

▶

Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System

1

Eco mode
When not in Eco mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the left to change
the driving mode to Eco mode. The Eco
drive mode indicator will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

2

Sport mode
When not in Sport mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the right to change
the driving mode to Sport mode. The Sport
mode indicator will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

3

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

▶

Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System

1

Eco mode
When not in Eco mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the left to change
the driving mode to Eco mode. The Eco
drive mode indicator will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

2

Sport mode

●

Sport S mode
When not in Sport S mode, turn the
driving mode select switch to the right
to change the driving mode to Sport S
mode. The Sport S mode indicator will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.

●

Sport S+ mode
When Sport S mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the right to change

3-8. Changing the driving characteristics

210

the driving mode to Sport S+ mode.
The Sport S+ mode indicator will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.

3

Normal/Custom mode
Press the switch to select Normal mode
or Custom mode. Each time the switch is
pressed, the system changes between Nor-
mal mode and Custom mode.
When Custom mode is selected, the Cus-
tom mode indicator will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If the switch is pressed when in Eco mode
or Sport mode, the system will return to
Normal mode.

INFORMATION

■

Canceling Sport/Custom mode

●

Select another driving mode. Sport mode and Custom mode will be canceled auto-
matically when the engine switch is turned off.

●

Normal mode and Eco mode will not be canceled automatically until another driving
mode is selected, even if the engine switch is turned off.

■

Display of the multi-information display according to selected driving mode

According to the driving mode selected, the gauges displayed on the multi-information
display may change.

Related Links

Customizable features(P. 650)

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Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Trail Mode (AWD vehicles)

Trail Mode is designed to control the spinning of the drive wheels by integradely
controlling 4WD, brake and drive force control systems. Use the Trail Mode when
driving bumpy roads, etc.

●

Press the Trail Mode switch.

Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn the Trail Mode
on. The Trail Mode indicator light will come on the
multi-information display. To turn the system off,
press the Trail Mode switch again.
If the tires are spinning, the slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the Trail Mode is controlling the spin-
ning of the tires.

INFORMATION

■

Trail Mode

●

Trail Mode controls the vehicle so that it can use the maximum amount of drive
force when driving on rough roads. As a result, fuel efficiency may diminish when
compared to driving with Trail Mode off.

●

If Trail Mode is continuously used for a long period of time, depending on the
driving conditions, the load on related parts increases and the system may not
function correctly. In this case, "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on
the multi-information display but the vehicle can be driven normally. The "Traction
Control Turned OFF" on the multi-information display will turn off after a short
while and the system will operate properly.

■

When Trail Mode is canceled

In the following situations, Trail Mode is automatically canceled even if it is selected:

●

When the driving mode is changed.

●

When the engine is restarted.

3-8. Changing the driving characteristics

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■

Sounds and vibrations when driving in Trail Mode

Any of the following conditions may occur when Trail Mode is operating. None of
these indicates that a malfunction has occurred:

●

Vibrations may be felt throughout the vehicle or steering

●

Sounds may be heard from the engine compartment

■

When the Trail Mode indicator does not illuminate

When the Trail Mode indicator does not illuminate even thourgh the Trail Mode switch
is pressed, the system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle checked by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

WARNING

■

Before using Trail Mode

Make sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to observe these precautions
may result in an unexpected accident.

●

Trail mode is intended for use when driving on rough roads.

●

Check that the Trail Mode indicator is illuminated before driving.

●

Trail Mode is not intended to expand the limits of the vehicle. Thoroughly check the
road conditions and drive with caution.

NOTICE

■

In order to ensure that Trail Mode operates properly

Do not continuously use the Trail Mode for a long period of time. Depending on the
driving conditions, the load on related parts increases and the system may not operate
properly.

Related Links

Changing the driving mode(P. 210)

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Driving accor

ding to the conditions

DAC

（

Downhill assist control system

）

The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive speed on steep
downhill slopes. The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 30
km/h (18 mph) with the accelerator and brake pedals released.
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control system indicator will
comes on and the system will operate. When
the system is in operation,the slip indicator will
flash, and the stop lights/high mounted stop lights
will be lit. A sound may also occur during the
operation. This does not indicated a malfunction.
Press the “DAC” switch while the system is in operation.
The downhill assist control system indicator will flash as the system gradually
ceases operation, and will turn off when the system is fully off. Press the “DAC”
switch while the downhill assist control system indicator is flashing to start the
system again.

INFORMATION

■

Operating tips

The system will operate when the shift position is in a 1 range of S mode or R.

■

If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes

●

In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not operate:

•

The shift position is in a position other 1 range of S mode or R.

•

The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 25 km/h (15 mph).

•

The brake system overheats.

●

In the following situation, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the system will
operate:

•

The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.
The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during opera-
tion, and then go off when the system is fully off.

■

When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously

This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill assist control
system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist control system
indicator will start flashing, and the "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on the
multi-information display. Refrain from using the system until the downhill assist control

3-8. Changing the driving characteristics

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system indicator stays on and the "Traction Control Turned OFF" goes off. (The vehicle
can be driven normally during this time.)

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the downhill assist control system

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction
has occurred in downhill assist control system.

●

Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control system is
operating. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred.

•

Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.

•

A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

System malfunction

In the following cases, have your vehicle checked by any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer dealer.

●

The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the engine switch
is turned to ON.

●

The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the “DAC” switch
is pressed.

●

The slip indicator comes on.

WARNING

■

When using downhill assist control system

Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function does not extend
the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly check the road conditions, and
drive safely.

■

Situations in which the system may not operate properly

The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead to an accident
causing death or serious injury.

●

Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads

●

Icy surface

●

Unpaved roads

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Driving accor

ding to the conditions