2006 Lexus GS430 snow chains

STARTING AND DRIVING
418
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of rear wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode, the
system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
G31038
 Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self −check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the rear wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
GS430—The slip indicator light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG− ON” mode. The light goes off when
the engine is started.

STARTING AND DRIVING
421
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle stability
control system. Even if the vehicle stability control
system is operating, you must always drive carefully
and attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless
driving will result in an accident. If the slip indicator
light blinks, sounding an alarm, special care should
be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
G31038
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
GS430—The slip indicator light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG− ON” mode. The light goes off when
the engine is started.
GS300—The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds
when the engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode.
If the indicator light does not come on when the engine switch
is selected in “IG −ON” mode, contact your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
429
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock brake system:
Although the antilock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the antilock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the antilock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Antilock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an antilock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
437
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
 When the tires must be repaired or replaced, have
them repaired or replaced by the nearest Lexus
dealer or authorized tire dealer. The tire pressure
sensors will be affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
 When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure sensors as well.
System malfunction
G31048
If the low tire pressure warning light blinks and the above
message appears on the multiinformation display, it
indicates a system malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer.
The system will be disabled in the conditions below:
Electric devices or facilities using similar radio wave
frequencies are nearby.
 If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use.
 Much snowflakes or ice gets on the vehicle, in particular,
around the wheels or wheel housings.
 Non− genuine Lexus wheels are used.
 Snow tires or tire chains are used.
 The sensor battery is expired.
 The tires not equipped with tire pressure sensor are used.

DRIVING TIPS
453
Keep ice
and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
G32001
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

SECTION 6 – 3
531
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications (GS430)532
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Specifications (GS300) 535
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Checking brake fluid 538
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.
Checking tire inflation pressure 539
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Tire information 542
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. . . . .
Run−flat tires 552
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Types of tires 553
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Rotating tires 554
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Checking and replacing tires 554
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Installing snow tires and chains 558
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Replacing wheels 560
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. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 561
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Suspension and chassis 562
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CHASSIS
555
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. Vehicles equipped with 245/40R18 93Y or
P245/40R18
93V tires: Your Lexus has been fitted with
specially developed tires which provide exceptional
dynamic performance under general road conditions.
However your riding comfort may worsen a little and
road noise may increase during driving. You may also
notice that your tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip
performance will be reduced on the snowy and/or icy
roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to have
snow tires or tire chains on the snowy and/or icy roads
and drive carefully with the speed appropriate for road
conditions.
NOTICE
Low profile tire like 245/40R18 93Y or P245/40R18
93V may have greater damage than usual tires to
its tire wheel when receiving impact from the road
surface. Therefore, pay attention to the following.
 Be sure to use with proper tire inflation
pressure. If the tire inflation pressure is low, the
tire may have greater damage. For detailed
information about tire inflation pressure, see
page 534.
 Avoid driving onto high, sharpedged objects
and other road hazards. Failure to do so can
lead to severe tire damage.

CHASSIS
557
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. 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 is 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 500 and 542.CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
 Do not mix radial, bias belted, or biasply 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.