Off-Road Driving Precautions - Lexus RX300 2001 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPS
CAUTION
D Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
D Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
D Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
D To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 184.
D Be
careful when
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to spin or skid.
D Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high–speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high–speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
206
accelerating, upshifting,
2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)
D Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.
OFF–ROAD DRIVING
PRECAUTIONS
When driving your vehicle off–road, please observe the
following precautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to
help prevent the closure of areas to off–road vehicles.
a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where off–road vehicles are
permitted to travel.
b. Respect private property. Get owner's permission before
entering private property.
c. Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers
and signs that restrict travel.
d. Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet,
driving techniques should be changed or travel delayed to
prevent damage to roads.
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.