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CHASSIS
182
If cold
addIf cold
O.K.
If hot
addIf hot
O.K.
c. Pull the dipstick out and look at the fluid level. If the
transmission is cold, the level should be in the “COOL” range
on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in
the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of the appropriate
range, add DEXRON
®-Il automatic transmission fluid to bring
the level within the range. (Fluid is added through the dipstick
tube, using a funnel.)
d. While checking the fluid level, also check the condition. If
the fluid is black or if it smells burnt, have it changed.
CAUTION:
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the hot exhaust manifold.
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the transmission could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
Label
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label inside the
glovebox lid.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And don’t forget the spare! The air
pressure for the spare tire should be 40 kPa (0.4 kg/cm
2, 6 psi)
above the recommended cold tire pressure. Incorrect tire
pressure can reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe
to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling,
reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level. If
a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
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CHASSIS
186It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in
loss of control. If you need to change from conventional tires
to radial tires or vice versa, replace them as a set.
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on
snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better
traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction
and load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle
has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an
excessive difference in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires, which could cause loss of vehicle control.CAUTION:
Snow tires should be inflated to 40 kPa (0.4 kg/cm
2, 6
psi) above the normal cold tire recommendations, but
never above the maximum cold tire pressure shown on
the tire sidewall.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to region and type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains.
Chain installation
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not
use tire chains on the rear tires. Retighten chains after driving
0.5 − 1.0 km (1/4 − 1/2 mile).
CAUTION:
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever
is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp turns,
which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
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CHASSIS
187
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bends, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel
or they may cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and lire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles),
check that the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check
that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000
miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the
aluminum wheels.
Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for
your aluminum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance
weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum
wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.