Electric Windows and visible exhaust gasses etc

[mpaull]

Dear All,  I have a much loved Rx450H from 2012 but some things are cropping up and Lexus aren't much help. If anyone could help me with answers I would be reallly grateful.

The drivers' and passenger windows start to re-open when I try to close them - would I need new switches? The car, after a day driving in London and a warm engine produces visible exhaust gasses. It is cold but is this normal or should I worry? When freewheeling with the gear in N the feel of the brake through the pedal is uneven. The car doesn't pull to one or other side but feels as though the disc brakes are rough. Any ideas? Lastly, when going over a speed bump (for example, there's an audible creak from the rear drivers side. The car been up on a ramp and a brief look underneath shows the ball joints are not in perfect condition but does anyone know what the noise might be?

Thank you very much in advance!

Best, Marcus

[Herbie]

Sorry I can't answer your specific questions but one thing I can say is, never use Neutral when out on the road.

Neutral is only meant for situations where, for example, you may have dropped your keys and they're just a couple of inches out of your reach. It's not worth letting the petrol engine fire up to move the car a couple of inches so you put it in Neutral instead and push it.

If you freewheel down a hill in Neutral, or you stand at red traffic lights in Neutral, you are wasting the biggest benefit of owning a hybrid, which is the regenerative brakes. When applied, they spin MG1 in the opposite direction and it becomes a generator instead of a motor, so it converts all that kinetic energy that would normally be lost in friction heat, into electricity to charge the high voltage traction Battery.

The system does not charge the Battery when in Neutral.

[Bluemarlin]

In this weather I'd suspect the exhaust gases are just condensation. Look at other cars while you're out and most willl be the same.

As for the noise,  it could be the rear cargo cover, or the seats, so check that they're firmly secured.

If it definitely is suspension related, and nothing is seriously worn, then a bit of lubrication might help. I spray any bushes with a silicone type lubricant and, before winter, spray everything underneath with ACF-50, and have no creaks or rattles when going over speed bumps.

[mpaull]

Many thanks to the both of you. The lubricant might do the trick!