2001 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 229

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 accelerating, upshifting, 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. 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. 206 2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)