DRIVING TIPS
309
Slow down and downshift before descending
steep or long downhill grades. Do not make
sudden downshifts.
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or
too frequently. This could cause the brakes to
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
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 warm±up 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. Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals
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.
CHASSIS
399
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires
approximately every 12000 km (7500 miles).
However, the most appropriate timing for tire
rotation may vary according to your driving habits
and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated
above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire
pressure, improper wheel alignment, out±of balance
wheels, or severe braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the
same direction when using them again. Tires should be
stored in a cool dry place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
