2004 Lexus IS300 weight

DRIVING TIPS
278
As shown in the above example, if the number of
occupants increases, the cargo and luggage load
equaling the combined weight of occupants who got on
later must be reduced. In other words, if the increase in
the number of occupants causes the excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo
and luggage load), you have to reduce the cargo and
luggage on your vehicle.
For details about total load capacity, see Vehicle load
limitsº on page 274.
CAUTION
Even if the total l oad of occupant's weight and the
cargo load is less than the total load capacity, do
not apply the load unevenly. That may cause not
only damage to the tire but also deterioration to
the steering ability due to unbalance of the
vehicle, causing an accident.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
287
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
365.)
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
reinstalled as soon as possible.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden
deceleration and sharp turns with the compact
spare tire.
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CHASSIS
349
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could bedamaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spillingit. The generator under the power steering reservoircould be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
SV61010a
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure, tire
size and the combined weight of occupants and
cargo (vehicle capacity weight) are described on the
tire and loading information label.
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CHASSIS
350
You should check the tire inflation pressure every two
weeks, or at least once a month. And don't forget the
spare. The inflation pressure for the spare tire should be
adjusted according to the conditions in the table on page
342, 344 or 345.
The following instructions for checking tire inflation
pressure should be observed:
The inflation 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.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance
of the tire can be misleading. Besides, tire inflation
pressures that are even just a few pounds off can
degrade ride and handling.
 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. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.
CAUTION
The inflation pressure for the compact spare tire
must be 420 kPa (4.3 kgf/cm2, 4.2 bar, 60 psi).
Inspection and adjustment procedure
SV63010

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 a graduation of the gauge.
4. In case that 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.
5. After completing the tire inflation pressure
measurement and adjustment, apply soap water to the
valve and check the leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
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CHASSIS
358
Tire related terms
Cold tire inflation
pressureTire pressure when the vehicle has been parked at least 3 hours or more, \
or it has
not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile under that condition.
Maximum inflation
pressureThe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and \
shown on
the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation
pressureCold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be rep\
laced)
of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, \
power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maxi\
mum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditionin\
g and
additional weight optional engine
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CHASSIS
359
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
The sum of Ð
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second \
column of
Table 1 that follows.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighi\
ng over
2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, n\
ot previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brak\
es, 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 vehicl\
e's
designated seating capacity
Intended outboard
sidewall
(a) The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bearsmanufacturer, 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 particula\
r side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
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CHASSIS
360
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 ti\
re 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
Vehicle maximum load on
the tireThe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to eac\
h axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two
Vehicle normal load on
the tireThe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to eac\
h axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight
(distributed in accordance with Table 1 that follows) and dividing by two
Weather sideThe surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire
Table 1 ± Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load fo\
r various designated seating capacities
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CHASSIS
366
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.Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size and
construction, and the same or greater maximum
load as the originally installed tires.
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 the Certification
Label and sidewall of the tire, see pages 316 and 352.
03 07.09