Page 333 of 432

MAINTENANCE
315
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip±offs 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 as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.
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CHASSIS
356± STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
225/55R16 94V
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
16 x 7 JJ or 16 x 6 1/2 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
Page 376 of 432
CHASSIS
358± STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
225/55 R16 94V
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
16 x 6
1/2 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
Page 384 of 432

CHASSIS
366
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
ºTWIº or º
Dº marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built±in tread wear indicators to
help you know when the tires need replacement. When the
tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators
will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears
down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).
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 or location of a cut or other damage, it should be
replaced. If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving
with a deflated 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.
Page 386 of 432
CHASSIS
368required 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 control. If you need to change from conventional tires
to radial tires or vice versa, replace them as a set.
Page 388 of 432
CHASSIS
370
CAUTION
Snow tires should be inflated as described below, but never
above the maximum cold tire pressure shown on the tire
sidewall.
225/55R16 ... 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of snow
tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding 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 radial cable chains or V±bar type chains.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front 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.