Driving Tips please .....

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Aug 24, 2011 | 11:33 PM

x10civ

Thread Starter

Rookie

Joined: Jul 2011

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Driving Tips please .....

So when I am driving and get to some stop lights - if the 450h is going to be stationary for say 1 minute - do you put on the park brake? Should I put it in neutral or park ? What combination is best ?

Just want to make sure I look after the car and its transmission..

Thanks

Aug 24, 2011 | 11:40 PM

ecub

Driver

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 142

Likes: 0

From: Illnois

It's a car, so I treat it like one. I just step on the brake and wait. Of course, unless I'm waiting for a long cargo train, then I will probably put it in park and then shut off the car.

Aug 24, 2011 | 11:59 PM

RXSF

CL Community Team

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 12,524

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From: San Francisco, CA

I would say just keep your foot on the brake with the gear in drive.

I know that in a lot of asian countries, they like to put it in neutral and then press the parking brake so that they can rest their legs in between long lights. But I think that is unnecessary in the states

Aug 25, 2011 | 12:16 AM

Stormforge

executive matchup

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 5,771

Likes: 13

From: BC

isn't this a moot point with the RX450h? if you are stopped at the light, the engine will shut off to prevent idling...

Aug 25, 2011 | 12:26 AM

markrivers

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 1,068

Likes: 11

From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by x10civ

i don't know your background, so i don't mean to offend you by asking..
Are you coming from a "manual" driving history?

the reason i ask that is, when i used to drive manual/stick shift a few decades ago, i always put it on neutral on stop lights especially if it's a 2-3 minutes wait.

Now to answer your question, ALL automatic cars/SUVs regardless if it's a hybrid or not DON'T NEED to be placed on Neutral in a traffic light. just place your foot on the brake and wait for the green light.

Aug 25, 2011 | 01:15 AM

x10civ

Thread Starter

Rookie

Joined: Jul 2011

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Hi Markrivers

Indeed I do come from a manual driving background. Thanks for the reply - I will take your advice: I just wanted to make sure I treat my new RX450h nicely.

Thanks again and all those that posted too

Aug 25, 2011 | 07:12 AM

Cruiter

Pole Position

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 26

From: GA

If it's a long wait (as in waiting for a freight train to pass, just keep your foot on the brake and/or use park. The ICE will only cycle on or off as necessary to keep the traction batteries charged. And A/C, radio, etc will keep working for you. No problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by x10civ

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Aug 25, 2011 | 07:54 PM

LeoDLion

Lead Lap

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 462

Likes: 4

From: NV

My other car is manual transmission. In that one, I always put the gear in neutral but continue to step on the brake. Then I let off on the clutch. I don't put the hand brake on even on an incline.

On the Lexus, I usually step on the brake. Once in a while I put it in neutral but still stepping on the brake.