2000 Lexus LS400 tire size

STARTING AND DRIVING
320
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control
system. Even if the vehicle skid control system is
operating, it is not that your vehicle is absolutely
safe. Reckless driving will result in an unexpected
accident. Always keep safety driving in mind. If the
slip indicator light flashes, sounding an alarm,
special care should be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle skid
control system may not function correctly. When
replacing the tires or wheels, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
325
Anti±lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at the moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles not fitted with an
anti±lock brake system, your vehicle may require a
longer stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snow±covered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at designated
pressure: The anti±lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed, resulting
in a longer stopping distance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
330
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.

CHASSIS
426± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressureVehicle load up to four occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P225/60R16 97V
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100
mph), in countries where such speeds are permitted
by law, add 80 kPa (0.9 kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the
front tires and rear tires, but never exceed the
maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
16 x 7 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wh\
eels), see ªChecking tire pressureº through
ªAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 431 through 441.

CHASSIS
432The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and
the vehicle capacity weight are given on the label
inside the glove box lid.
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 220 kPa (2.2
kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). 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 pr essures at the proper level. If a tire needs frequent
refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer. 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.

CHASSIS
436

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.
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.

CHASSIS
438Warning: 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.
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.

CHASSIS
439
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES ANDCHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when
driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide
better traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size,
construction and load capacity as the original tires
on your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure
your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not
install studded tires without first checking local
regulations for possible restrictions.