Lexus RX300 Manual page 207

DRIVING TIPS
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk
of serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
D Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary
risks by driving in dangerous places.
D 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.
D Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately
after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.
D After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers,
etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone,
sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody. Clear off
any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used
with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
D The driver and all passengers should fasten their seat belts
whenever the vehicle is moving.
192
NOTICE
D If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow
streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of
the river bed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water.
D Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that damage to
the engine or other components does not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine
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.
D Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and
around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may
damage brake system components.
D 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 separate "Owner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Schedule".