1998 Lexus LS400 winter tires

STARTING AND DRIVING
179
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are highspeed capability tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as
snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on
snowcovered or icy roads. For driving on snowcovered or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be
sure to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and
to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for
use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.
Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s designated
tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

DRIVING TIPS
182Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It
can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor
fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and
downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively,
they may overheat and not work properly. See page 163.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or
braking on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine
speed, such as sudden acceleration or engine braking, could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph)
unless your vehicle has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure,
loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
highspeed capability tires or not before driving at such
speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet.
If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping
distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are
applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have ethyleneglycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be
in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 253
tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See page 232 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer
oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting.
If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer
they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose connections or
obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock deicer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.

DRIVING TIPS
189
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Getting more kilometer/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy
just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here
are some specific tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check the
pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight
puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel
consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is running
smoothly, begin driving but gently. Remember, however, that
on cold winter days this may take a little longer.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are
not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.
Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the
road on which you are traveling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stopandgo driving wastes fuel.Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady
pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as
little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid
traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid
sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes needless
wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive,
the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you
will cut down on fuel consumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the
curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only
causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine,
which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not
only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and
contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and
lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on schedule,
and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your
vehicle receives more frequent maintenance. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the separate ”Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.)
CAUTION

INDEX (E G)
280
Checking the coolant level 233. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 155. . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil, Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 34. . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Facts about engine oil consumption 229. . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 5, 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 204. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tires 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling wheel ornament 204. . . . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 200. . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 181. . . . . . . . . . Front seat
Lumbar support 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 71. . . . . . . . . .
Seat cushion angle and height 72. . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback angle 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MTBE 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . .
Tank cap 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Blade type fuses 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge type fuses 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Garage door opener 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information Inside back cover. . . . .
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 34. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEX (T W)
284
T
Tachometer 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft deterrent system 117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires
Chains 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 241. . . . . . . . . .
Rotation 242. . . . . . . . . .
Snow 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire information 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform tire quality grading 244. . . . . . . . . . .
Tools 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Emergency towing 208. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 205. . . . . . .
Trailer 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting your Lexus by flat bed 206. . . . . .
Trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid opener 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signals 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twin trip meter 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Vanity mirrors 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 174. . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzers 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning messages 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid, Adding 261
Washing and waxing 271
Wheels, Aluminum 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 25. . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control transmitter 11. . . . . . . . .