1998 Lexus ES300 flat tire

MAINTENANCE
184
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the ºHOTº or
ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 206 for
additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change in the
sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and
corrected immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip±o\
ffs that
indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer a\
s soon
as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could
result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

CHASSIS
204
± STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELSTire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P205/65 R15 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)

CHASSIS209
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose
the fabric, or bulges indicating internal damage, the tire should be
replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size o\
r location
of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, c\
onsult
with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a deflat\
ed tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with regulations
issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with information on uniform
tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality grades ± All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. These quality grades
are molded on the sidewall.
Treadwear
± The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1 ± 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire g\
raded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of the\
ir
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

CHASSIS
210
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straigh\
t
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C
± The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can \
lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performan\
ce
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade of this tire established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction as
originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between
the body and tires or snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer's recommended
size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of co\
ntrol.
If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires or vice ve\
rsa,
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 t\
ires
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.

CHASSIS211
CAUTION
Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure as the
original tires.
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of snow
tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations r egarding the use of tire chains vary according to location or
type of road. Always check the local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class ºSº type radial tire chains, with the exception of radi\
al cable
chains or V±bar type chains.
Chain installation
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).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the instructions of the
chain manufacturer.
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.