2001 Lexus ES300 Antifreeze

DRIVING TIPS
321
Do not continue normal driving when the
brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will
require a longer stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes are applied.
Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of
engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components. Use ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent. See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on
page 415 for instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60%
solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to
about ±50 C (±58 F). Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so
it must be in top shape to provide enough power for
winter starting. Page 451 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service
stations will be pleased to check the battery charge
level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the
cold weather.

DRIVING TIPS
322See page 414 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a
heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months
may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer ± they will be
pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep
them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other
substitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a
possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ªPº and block
the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow
or water accumulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the
fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make
steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally.

INTRODUCTION
395
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing the blade type
fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same
amperage rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
 Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
 Funnel

62L005±1
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
ENGINE
402Oil capacity
Drain and refillwith filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
4.7 L (5.0 qt., 4.1 lmp. qt.)
4.5 L (4.8 qt., 4.0 lmp. qt.)
API SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
± COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.8 L (9.3 qt., 7.7 lmp. qt.)
ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water
alone.
± FUELFuel type
Octane Rating
Only UNLEADED
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher

ENGINE
418
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine
cooling system. Your coolant must contain
ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of your engine that contains aluminum
components. Use ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and subsequent
damage to the engine, this type of coolant will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or
additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity of the cooling
system is given on page 402.
We recommend to use 50% solution for your Lexus, to
provide protection down to about ±35C (±31F). When
it is extremely cold, to provide protection down to about
±50 C (±58F), 60% solution is recommended. Do not
use more than 70% solution for better coolant
performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
464
ADDING WASHER FLUID
64E017a
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add
washer fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in
cold areas where temperatures range below the
freezing point, use washer fluid containing antifreeze.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most
auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any othersubstitute because it may damage your vehicle'spaint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM
(Vehicles with halogen headlight)

BODY
480
WASHING AND WAXING
Washing your Lexus
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
The following cases may cause weakness to the paint
or corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle
as soon as possible.

When driving in a coastal area

When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze

When having coal tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
carcass of an insect

When driving in the areas where there is a lot of
smoke, soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance

When the vehicle becomes remarkably dirty with dust
and mud
Hand±washing your Lexus
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is
not hot to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or
road salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel
wells.
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to
the manufacturer's instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt
and keep it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash
water. Do not rub hard ± let the soap and water remove
the dirt.

GAS STATION INFORMATION

Fuel selection:
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of
premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended.

Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)

Engine oil:
API SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity ± SAE 5W±30 if normal
temperatures are below 38 C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp. qt.)
Drain and refill with filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
See page 410 for detailed information.

Engine coolant:
Capacity: 8.8 L (9.3 qt., 7.7 lmp. qt.)
Coolant type ± ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 415 .

Automatic transaxle:
Fluid type ± Automatic transmission fluid Type T±IV
See page 421 for detailed information.

Tire information:
See pages 431 through 440 for detailed information.

Tire pressure:
Tire size: P205/65R15 92V or P205/60R16 91V
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Vehicle loaded up
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity
to 4 occupants weight
Front tires 180 (1.8, 26) 220 (2.2, 32) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear tires 180 (1.8, 26) 220 (2.2, 32) . . . . . . . . . . .
When driving under the above vehicle load conditions at
sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in countries
where such speeds are permitted by law, inflate the front and
rear tires 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi), but never exceed
the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire sidewall.