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CHASSIS
477
Tire related termMeaning
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
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
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CHASSIS
479
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally
equipped with.
1. 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.
2. 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.
CAUTION
Do not mix all season and summer 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, as this
could result in loss of control and could cause
death or serious injury.
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CHASSIS
480
ROTATING TIRES
63L020a
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to
the maintenance schedule. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.) However, the most appropriate
timing for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated
above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire inflation pressure, improper wheel alignment,
out−of−balance wheels, or severe braking. Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the
same
direction when using them again. Tires should be
stored in a cool dry place.
Initial adjustment of th e tire pressure warning
system is necessary after you have rotated your
tires. See “Tire pressure warning system” on page
370.
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CHASSIS
483
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES ANDCHAINS
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.
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 instruction. 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.
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 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check local
regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V− bar type chains.
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