2001 Lexus ES300 weight

DRIVING TIPS
331
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer
should be consulted.
 Use only a hitch which is recommended by Lexus
dealer and conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
 Follow the directions supplied by the hitch
manufacturer. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat
of grease.
 Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch
whenever you are not towing a trailer to reduce the
possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch
if your vehicle is struck from behind. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body
to prevent entry of pollutants such as exhaust fumes,
dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do notinstall the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may
cause body damage.
Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheelbearings, wheels or tires.

DRIVING TIPS
332
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that
conform to any applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the
towing vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient
slack in the chain for turns. The chain should
cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the
tongue from dropping to the ground in case it
becomes damaged or separated. For correct
safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer
manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.

DRIVING TIPS
333
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect
to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the
correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and
stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of
driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more
frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For
this information, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded
or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the
vehicle has an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that
it cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any
federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they
do not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate
for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
338
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.
 Keep the automatic transmission overdrive
turned on when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel
economy. (For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº
on page 284.)
 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 over±revving . Use a gear position
suitable for the road on which you are traveling.

DRIVING TIPS
339

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 premature 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.
Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear
but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in
turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud
etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps
prevent corrosion. 
Keep your vehicle tuned±up and in top shape. A
dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty
plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor
fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower
operating costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ªOwner's Manual
Supplement/Maintenance Scheduleº.)

CHASSIS
423
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
Type A: P205/65R15 92V
Type B: P205/60R16 91V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
Type A: 15
6 JJ
Type B: 16
6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing \
wheels), see ªChecking tire pressureº
through ªAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 431 through 440.

CHASSIS
431
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
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
air 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 pressures at the pr oper 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

CHASSIS
432least 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 ride and handling.
 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.
ROTATING TIRES
63E005±1