2011 Lexus RX 350 Owners Manual - Page 303

2-4. Using other driving systems Driving assist systems To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle. n ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface 2 n Brake assist Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation When driving n VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on slippery road surfaces n TRAC (Traction Control) Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads n Hill-start assist control →P. 238 n EPS (Electric Power Steering) Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel n Active torque control 4WD system (AWD models only) Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to AWD (All-Wheel Drive) according to driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to AWD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow or rain etc. 231