2003 Lexus ES300 Page 57

ENGINE
316If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there
may be a leak in the system. V isually check the radiator,
hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap and drain cock
and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap
pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
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. We have used “Toyota
Genuine Long Life Coolant” in your Lexus vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly recommend using
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” 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 307. 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 −50C (−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.
The engine cooling system is integral to maximizing
performance of your Lexus vehicle. In line with this, it is
strongly recommended that you use “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” for protecting the system, as it is an
ethylene− glycol based premium antifreeze coolant with
excellent corrosion protection properties that has been
specifically formulated for use in Lexus vehicles.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details of the
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” range.

CHASSIS
321
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
P215/60R16 94V
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressureFront 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (99 mph), in countries where
such speeds are permitted by law, add 40 kPa (0.4 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 6 psi)
to the front tires and rear tires, but never exceed the maximum cold tir\
e
pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
Wheel size16  6 1/2 JJ
Wheel nut torque103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf)
NOTE:
For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing whe\
els), see “Checking tire pressure” through “Aluminum wheel
precautions” on pages 324 through 331.

CHASSIS
324
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
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 adjusted according to the
conditions in the table on page 321.
Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel, reduce the comfort of
driving, reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
343
NOTICE
Make sure the engine and all accessories are turned
off before performing maintenance.
 When checking the battery, remove the ground cable
first and reinstall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short circuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the battery when
washing it.
If the battery is disconnected or run down
The moon roof may not operate automatically and the jam
protection function will not function correctly after you
reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. In any of these
cases, you should normalize the moon roof. To normalize the
moon roof, see page 92.
Checking battery condition
Checking by indicator
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
1 BLUE − Good condition
2
WHITE − Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3 RED − Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
350
2. Turn the vertical movement adjusting bolt 2 the same
number of turns and in the same direction at step 1 using a
Phillips−head screwdriver.
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
The illustration on the following pages show the locations of
light bulbs. If it is necessary to replace a bulb, take your vehicle
to your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. Use bulbs with the
bulb numbers and wattage ratings given in the table.
CAUTION
 To prevent burning yourself, do not replace the light
bulbs while they are hot.
 Vehicles with discharge headlight—Do not
disassemble, repair or take apart the low beam
headlight bulbs, connector, power supply circuits
and rotated components. Or you may be injured by
electric shocks. Call your dealer when the headlights
fail to work or have to be replaced or disposed of.
 Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
require special handling. They can burst or shatter if
scratched or dropped. Hold a bulb only by its plastic
or metal case. Do not touch the glass part of a bulb
with bare hands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.

BODY
356
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLEFROM CORROSION
Proper care of your Lexus can help ensure long −term
corrosion prevention.
The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle
are:
 The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in
hard−to−reach areas under the vehicle.
 Chipping of paint or undercoating caused by minor
accidents or by stones and gravel.
The following conditions will cause or accelerate
corrosion of your vehicle, so it is important to keep your
vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible
and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings
as soon as possible.
 The presence of road salt or dust control chemicals, salt in
the air near the sea coast, industrial air pollution.
 High humidity, especially at temperatures just above
freezing point.
 Certain parts of your vehicle are wet or damp for an
extended period of time, even though other parts of the
vehicle are dry.
 Components of the vehicle which are prevented from
quick−drying due to lack of proper ventilation are exposed
to high temperature. To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow these
guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
In addition,
observe the following points.
 If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live near
the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month to minimize corrosion.
 High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning the
vehicle’s underside and wheel housings. Pay particular
attention to these areas as it is dif ficult to see all the mud and
dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the mud
and debris without removing them. The lower edge of
doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain holes
which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as trapped
water in these areas can cause corrosion.
 Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when winter
is over.
See “Washing and waxing” on page 357 for more tips.
Check the condition of your vehicle’s paint and trim. If you
find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips or
scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a qualified
body shop make the repair.