2000 Lexus GS300 Chassis

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428
63L003±1

1If cold O.K. 2If hot O.K. 3Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid
level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ºCOLDº
range on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low
side of either range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the range.
5. After replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the
steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for
leaks or damage.

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429
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

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430
63G005
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and
the vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or
at least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The
pressure for the spare tire should be the same with that
for the standard tire. (See page 415 or 418.) Incorrect
tire pressure can reduce tire life and make your vehicle
less safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor
handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of
blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire
pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of
wheel deformation and/or tire separation. So keep your
tire pressures at the proper level. If a tire needs frequent
refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.

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431 High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling
problems, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread,
and a greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure
should be observed:
The pressure should be checked only when the
tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at
least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than
1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold
tire pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge. The
appearance of the tire can be misleading. Besides,
tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving.
It is normal for the tire pressure to be higher after
driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the
valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been
lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

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432
ROTATING TIRES
63L008-1
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.

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CHECKING AND REPLACING
TIRES
When to replace your tires
63G001

1New tread 2Tread wear indicator
3Worn tread
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.Vehicles equipped with 235/45R17 tires: Your Lexus
has been fitted with specially developed tires which
provide exceptional dynamic performance under
general road conditions. However your riding comfort
may worsen a little and road noise may increase during
driving. You may also notice that your tires will wear
more rapidly and tire grip performance will be reduced
on the snowy and/or icy roads when compared to
standard tires. Be sure to have snow tires or tire chains
on the snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully with
the speed appropriate for road conditions.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread

CHASSIS
434wears 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.
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. Quality grades can be
found where applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
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 graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their 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 AA, A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the

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435 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.Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight 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 performance 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 grades for this tire are
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.