1998 Lexus ES300 replace

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.

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212
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, 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 tire 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 whe\
el
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.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
226
CHECKING THE CARTRIDGE TYPEFUSES
64E011±1
64E015±1

Engine compartment
64E014

Driver's side instrument panel
If the headlights or other electrical components do not work and the blade\
type fu ses are O.K., check the cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge
type fuses are blown, they must be replaced.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS227
64E016

1Type A 2Type B 3Good 4Blown
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses are designed
to blow before the entire wiring harness is damaged.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical overload
determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Always use a genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent for
replacement. Never install an ordinary wire ± even for a
temporary fix. This may cause extensive damage and possibly
a fire.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
64E017±1
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold areas where
temperatures range below the freezing point, use washer fluid containing
antifreeze. This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts
stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may
damage your vehicle's paint.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS229
64E020±1

1Arrow head 2Acceptable range
Horizontal movement gauge: The arrow head should not deviate by more
than one mark to either side of the gauge.
If the error is over the value specified above, take the vehicle to your\
Lexus
dealer to adjust the headlight aim.
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
The illustration on the following pages show the locations of light bulbs. \
If
it is necessary to replace a bulb, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer \
as soon
as possible. Use bulbs with the bulb numbers and wattage ratings given in\
the
table.
CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and require special
handling. They can burst or shatter if scratched or dropped.
Hold a bulb only by its plastic or metal case. Do not touch the
glass part of a bulb with bare hands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.