2004 Lexus GX470 tire size

CHASSIS
537
DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The illustration indicates typical DOT and Tire
Identification Number (TIN).
1DOTº symbol
2Tire Identification Number (TIN)
3Tire manufacturer's identification mark
4Tire size code
5Manufacturer's optional tire type code
6Manufacturing week
7Manufacturing year
The DOTº symbol certifies that the tire conforms to applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Tire size

The illustration indicates typical tire size.
1Tire use (P=Passenger car, T=Temporary
use)
2Section width (in millimeters)
3Aspect ratio (tire height to section width)
4Tire construction code
(R=Radial, D=Diagonal)
5Wheel diameter (in inch)
6Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
7Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)

CHASSIS
541
Production options
weightThe combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 2.3
kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Vehicle capacity
weight
(Total load capacity)The rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg (150 lb.) times the vehicle's designated
seating capacity
Intended outboard
sidewall(a) The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper
than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(b) The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle
Occupant distributionDistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table 1 that
follows
RimA metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated
Rim diameter (Wheel
diameter)Nominal diameter of the bead seat
Rim size designationRim diameter and width
Rim type designationThe industry of manufacturer's designation for a rim by style or code
Rim widthNominal distance between rim flanges

CHASSIS
543
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.
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. Also, all season tires fall short
in acceleration and handling performance compared
with summer tires in highway driving.
The details about how to distinguish summer tires
from all season tires are described on page 535.
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.

CHASSIS
545
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires

1New tread2Tread wear indicator
3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators
show. The location of the tread wear indicators
is shown by the marks molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built-in tread wear
indicators to help you know when the tires need
replacement. When the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm
(0.06 in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If you
can see the indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread
wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits,
cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, or
bulges indicating internal damage, the tire should
be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired
due to the size or location of a cut or other damage,
it should be replaced. If you are not sure, consult
with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue
driving with a deflated tire. Driving even a short
distance can damage a tire beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be
checked by a qualified technician even if damage
is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or
seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored
for future use.

CHASSIS
546
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size
and construction, and the same or greater load
capacity as the originally installed tires. Also, all
the tires must be the same brand and have the
same tread patterns.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously
affect handling, ride, speedometer/odometer
calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between
the body and tires or snow chains.
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is
greater than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle,
whichever greater. As for the maximum load of the
tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and
as for the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), see
the Certification Label. For details about Certification
Label and sidewall of the tire, see pages 496 and 535.CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise,
an accident may occur resulting in death or
serious injuries.
Do not mix radial, bias belted, or bias-ply tires
on your vehicle, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of
control.
Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause
dangerous handling characteristics resulting
in loss of control.
Do not use tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may
cause dangerous handling characteristics
resulting in loss of control.

CHASSIS
547
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on
snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better
traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size,
construction and load capacity as the originally installed
tires. Also, all the tires must be the same brand and have
the same tread patterns.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle
has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use snow tires other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
Do not use snow tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may cause
dangerous handling characteristics resulting in loss
of control.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an
excessive difference in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 105 km/h (65 mph) with any type of
snow tires.

CHASSIS
548
Tire chain selection

1 Side chain2 Cross chain
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For P265/65R17 tires, use the following type chains.
mm (in.)
A: Diameter of side chain 5.0 (0.20)
B: Width of side chain 18.0 (0.71)
C: Length of side chain 46.0 (1.81)
D: Width of cross chain 22.6 (0.89)
E: Length of cross chain 38.1 (1.5)
F: Diameter of cross chain 6.3 (0.25)Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.

CHASSIS
551
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
Do not use wheels of different brands, sizes and
types, as this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of control.