DRIVING TIPS
263
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy 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.
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.
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 traf fic signals 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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
273
Compact spare tire (Some models)
SV64025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive wheel
design and color and special wording ºTEMPORARY USE
ONLYº molded into the side wall of the tire.
To keep the compact spare tire noticeable, do not hide the
wheel by a wheel cover or such.
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage
compartment, and its lighter weight helps to improve fuel
economy and permits easier installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary.
It has tread life of up to 4800 km (3000 miles) depending on
road conditions and your driving habits. When tread wear
indicators appear on the tire, replace the tire. (See ºChecking
and replacing tiresº on page 335.)
CAUTION
The compact spare tire was designed especially for
your Lexus. Do not use it on any other vehicle.
Do not use more than one compact spare tire at the
same time.
The pressure for the compact spare tire must be 420
Kpa (4.2 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 60 psi).
Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving with the
compact spare tire.
The standard tire should be repaired and replaced as
soon as possible.
Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and
sharp turns with the compact spare tire.
NOTICE
Your ground clearance is reduced when the compact
spare tire is installed so avoid driving over obstaclesand drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and speedbumps. Also, do not attempt to go through an automatic
car wash as the vehicle may get caught, resulting in damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)
