2005 Lexus IS300 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2005 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53489U)

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You should check the tire inflation pressure every two
weeks, or at least once a month. And do not forget the
spare. The inflation pressure for the spare tire should be
adjusted according to the conditions in the table on page
344, 346 or 347.
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.
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 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.
5. After completing the tire inflation pressure
measurement and adjustment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
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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.
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 needs frequent 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
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TIRE INFORMATION
Tire symbols (Standard tire)
SV63011c

The illustration indicates typical tire symbols.
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1Tire size: For details, see ªTire sizeº on page
358.
2DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN): For
details, see ªDOT and Tire Identification Number
(TIN)º on page 358.
3Maximum cold tire inflation pressure: This
means the pressure to which a tire may be
inflated. For recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, see ªSpecificationsº on page 344, 346
or 347.
4Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure: For details, see ªChecking and
replacing tiresº on page 368.
5Turning indicator: Some vehicles are equipped
with directional tires. For details, see ªRotating
tiresº on page 366 or 367.
6Tire ply composition and materials : Plies
mean a layer of rubber±coated parallel cords.
Cords mean the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
7Uniform tire quality grading: For details, see
ªUniform tire quality gradingº that follows.
8Location of tread wear indicators: For details,
see ªChecking and replacing tiresº on page 368.
9ªTUBELESSº or ªTUBE TYPEº: A tubeless tire
does not have a tube inside the tire and air is
directly filled in the tire. A tube type tire has a tube
inside the tire and the tube maintains the air
pressure.
10Radial tires or bias±ply tires: A radial tire has
ªRADIALº on the sidewall. A tire not marked with
ªRADIALº is a bias±ply tire.
11Summer tire or all season tire: An all season
tire has ªM+Sº on the sidewall. The tire not
marked with ªM+Sº is a summer tire. For details,
see ªTypes of tiresº on page 365.
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Tire symbols (Compact spare tire)
SV63017

The illustration indicates typical tire symbols.
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1ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº: A compact spare
tire is identified by the phrase ªTEMPORARY
USE ONLYº molded into its sidewall. This tire is
designed for temporary emergency use only. For
details, see ªCompact spare tireº on page 287.
2Tire size: For details, see ªTire sizeº on page
358.
3DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN): For
details, see ªDOT and Tire Identification Number
(TIN)º on page 358.
4Location of tread wear indicators: For details,
see ªChecking and replacing tiresº on page 368.
5Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure: For details, see ªChecking and
replacing tiresº on page 368.
6Maximum cold tire inflation pressure: This
means the pressure to which a tire may be
inflated. For recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, see ªSpecificationsº on page 344, 346
or 347.
7Tire ply composition and materials : Plies
mean a layer of rubber±coated parallel cords.
Cords mean the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
8ªTUBELESSº or ªTUBE TYPEº: A tubeless tire
does not have a tube inside the tire and air is
directly filled in the tire. A tube type tire has a tube
inside the tire and the tube maintains the air
pressure.
9Radial tires or bias±ply tires: A radial tire has
ªRADIALº on the sidewall. A tire not marked with
ªRADIALº is a bias±ply tire.
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DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)
SV63015

The illustration indicates typical DOT and TireIdentification Number (TIN)
1ªDOTº symbol
2Tire Identification Number (TIN)
3Tire manufacturer's identification mark
4Tire size code
5Manufacturer's optional tire type code
6Manufacturing week
7Manufacturing year
The ªDOTº symbol certifies that the tire conforms to
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Tire size
SV63014b

Type A
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SV63013a

Type BThe illustration indicates typical tire size.
1Tire use (P=Passenger car, T=Temporary use)
2Section width (in millimeters)
3Aspect ratio (tire height to section width)
4Speed category (alphabet with one letter)
5Tire construction code(R=Radial, D=Diagonal)
6Wheel diameter (in inches)
7Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
8Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)
SV63012c

1Section width
2Tire height
3Wheel diameter
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