Page 491 of 670

DRIVING TIPS
472
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy Ð 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 Ð but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the Dº position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see Automatic transmissionº on page 393.)
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 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 m oderate 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.
Page 556 of 670

MAINTENANCE
537
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission Parkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in Pº position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire pressure label. See page 579 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 594 for additional
information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts
for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the Owner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) See page 593
for additional information.
Page 590 of 670

SECTION 6 ± 3
571
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications572
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 576
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 577
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 579
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire information 583
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 592
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 593
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 594
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 596
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 601
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 602
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 602
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 594 of 670
CHASSIS
575
Ð CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Propeller shafts Spiders
Slide yoke
Lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2
Molybdenum-disulfide lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2 or
lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2
Ð STEERING
Free play
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluidAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
Ð TIRES AND WHEELSTire size
P265/65R17 110S
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation
pressure
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
Wheel size17 x 7 1/2 JJ
Wheel nut torque112 N´m (11.5 kgf´m, 83 ft´lbf)
NOTE:
For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wh\
eels), see Checking tire inflation pressureº
through Aluminum wheel precautionsº on pages 579 through 602.
Page 598 of 670

CHASSIS
579
CHECKING TIRE INFLATIONPRESSURE
63PY020
The recommended cold tire inflation pressures,
tire sizes and the combined weight of occupants
and cargo (vehicle capacity weight) are described
on page 575 and 631. They are also described
on the tire and loading information label as
shown.
You should check the tire inflation pressure every two
weeks, or at least once a month. And do not forget
the spare!
The following instructions for checking tire
inflation pressure should be observed:
The pressure should be checked only when the
tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked
for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an
accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.
If you cannot adjust the tire pressure when the
tires are cold, add 20 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 2.9
psi) to 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 4.3 psi) more
to the front tires and rear tires than the cold tire
pressure, but never exceed the maximum cold tire
pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
Page 599 of 670
CHASSIS
580
Always use a tire pressure gauge. The
appearance of a tire can be misleading. Besides,
tire inflation pressures that are even just a few
pounds off can degrade handling and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be located
so that the vehicle is balanced. Inspection and adjustment procedure
1Tire valve
2Tire pressure gauge
1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge to the tire
valve.
3. Read the pressure using the graduations of the
gauge.
4. In case the tire inflation pressure is not within the
prescribed range, insert the compressed air from the
valve. In case of applying too much air, press the
center of the valve and release the air to adjust.
Page 600 of 670
CHASSIS
581
5. After completing the tire inflation pressure
measurement and adjustment, apply soapy water to
the valve and check for leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
If a gauge and air pump are not available, have your
vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
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.
NOTICE
Use only the original valve cap. If any othervalve cap is used, it may corrode or melt and
become difficult or impossible to remove.
Page 601 of 670
CHASSIS
582
Incorrect tire inflation pressure may waste fuel, reduce
the comfort of driving, reduce tire life and make your
vehicle less safe to drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it checked by
your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the
following conditions may occur and cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injuries.
Low tire pressure (underinflation) Ð
Excessive wear
Uneven wear
Poor handling
Possibility of blowouts from an overheated
tire
Poor sealing of the tire bead
Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
A greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards
High tire pressure (overinflation) Ð
Poor handling
Excessive wear
Uneven wear
A greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards