1998 Lexus ES300 Octane

DRIVING TIPS
152
BREAK±IN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break±in schedule with your new Lexus. But follow\
ing
a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the fu\
ture
economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
 Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and 4000 rpm.
 Avoid full±throttle starts.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and minimum
octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better
control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp±edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can
lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the
transmission in ºPº. If necessary, block the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes
wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you and
then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the
brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake applied. If they still
do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for
assistance.

ENGINE
194
Capacity
Coolant type
9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 lmp.qt.)
Ethylene ± glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
± FUEL
Fuel type
Octane Rating
Only UNLEADED
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
± IGNITION SYSTEMSpark plug ± Make DENSO NGK
± Gap
PK20TR11
BKR6EKPB11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
± ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery Specific gravity reading at 20 C (68F):
Charging rates Quick charge Slow charge
± Non±maintenance battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
15A max.
5A max.
12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE195
FUEL
Fuel type
Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smaller fuel tank
opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the
larger nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5±M93 in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the
three±way catalytic converter/warm up three±way catalytic converter to
lose its effectiveness and the emission control system to function
improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.
Octane rating
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For
improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline
with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is
recommended.
Use of unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating or Research Octane Number
lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is sever\
e,
this will lead to engine damage. If your engine knocks ...
If you detect heavy knocking even when using the recommended fuel, or if\
you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consu\
lt
your Lexus dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern.
Gasolines containing detergent additives
Lexus recommends use of gasolines that contain detergent additives to
avoid build±up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasoline retailer.
Improved gasolines
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has
developed a specification of improved gasolines. The AAMA
specification offers optimal fuel information for better vehicle
performance and better protection of your engine.
Lexus recommends the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA specification,
if available, for improved drivability and emission control system.

ENGINE
196
Gasolines containing MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary±Butyl Ether) are
available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with MTBE, make
certain that it does not contain more than 15% of MTBE.
If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivability and/or p\
oor
fuel economy, you should stop using them.
Gasolines containing MMT
Some gasolines contain an octane±enhancing additive called MMT
(methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl).
Lexus does not recommend the use of gasolines that contain MMT. If fuels
containing MMT are used, your emission control system may be adversely
affected. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the instrument cluster may
come on. If this happens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use gasohol in your
Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating no lower than 87
and does not contain more than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend
the use of gasolines containing methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline meeting the
requirements above and also containing less than 5% methanol with
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol.
NOTICE
 Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel system
damage or vehicle performance problems.
 If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot starting, vaporizing,
engine knock, etc.), discontinue its use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp.gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling the inside of th\
e
engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working
order.