2000 Lexus LS400 tires

SECTION 3 ± 1
279
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three±way catalytic converter279
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Engine exhaust caution 282
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Before starting the engine 283
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Ignition switch with steering lock 284
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Parking brake 286
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How to start the engine 288
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Automatic transmission 289
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Electronic throttle control system 303
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Cruise control 305
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Electronically modulated air suspension 309
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Traction control system 312
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Vehicle skid control system 315
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Brake system 321
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Types of tires 328
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THREE±WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTER

STARTING AND DRIVING
314
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which will cause the vehicle
to lose traction. In situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted
with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at an
appropriate and cautious pace.

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
324
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti±lock brake system:
Although the anti±lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti±lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti±lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.

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
328
Brake pad wear limit warning message
31L082
When your brake pads are worn enough to require
replacement, the brake pad wear warning message
in the multi information display appears.
If the warning message in the multi information display
appears while driving, have the brake pads checked and
replaced by your nearest Lexus dealer immediately.
Continuous driving without replacing the brake pads will
cause expensive rotor damage and increasing brake
pedal effort to get the same stopping distance.TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally
equipped with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high±speed 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 snow±covered or icy roads.
For driving on snow±covered or icy roads, we
recommend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be
sure to replace all four tires.

STARTING AND DRIVING
329
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. A lso, all season tires fall short in acceleration and
handling performance compared with summer tires in
highway driving.

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.