2011 Lexus RX 450h Owners Manual - Page 355

2-5. Driving information n Additional information for off-road driving 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. l State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments l State Motor Vehicle Bureau l Recreational Vehicle Clubs l U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management 2 When driving CAUTION n Off-road driving precautions Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious injury or damage to your vehicle: l Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places. l 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. l Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow. l After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to 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. l When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle's suspension and chassis. 271