2002 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 228

DRIVING TIPS D Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance. 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. 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 186. 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. 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. 208 2002 MY RX300_U (OM48416U)