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DRIVING TIPS
460
TRAILER TOWING
G32002
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Lexus also does not recommend the installation
of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a
wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Lexus is not
designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy − 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 inflation 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 − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission” on page 359.)
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.
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DRIVING TIPS
461
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 traf fic signals 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 moderate 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.
Keep your vehicle tuned up and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.
Page 499 of 632

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
475
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light comes on, take
your vehicle to the nearest Lexus dealer or
authorized tire dealer as soon as possible,
observing the following instructions:
Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit. Do
not drive for longer than 160 km (100 miles) or
over 90 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the
brakes, causing death or serious injury.
The warning system may not activate
immediately if bursts or sudden air leakage
should occur.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be damaged.
Take due care not to go over a curb stone and
be careful of the holes in the road because
deflated tire pressure affects tire cushion
performance. The wheels, tires, body,
suspension and other components could be
damaged.
Your ground clearance is reduced if the run flat
tire goes flat so avoid driving over obstacles
and drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and
speed bumps. Also, do not attempt to go
through an automatic car wash as the vehicle
may get caught, resulting in damage.
When the tires must be repaired and replaced,
have them repaired and replaced by your Lexus
dealer or an authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be affected by the installation or removal of
tires.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters as well.
Page 500 of 632

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
476
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
(Vehicles with standard tires)
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light comes on,
observe the following instructions:
Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit.
Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the
brakes, causing death or serious injury.
The warning system may not activate
immediately if bursts or sudden air leakage
should occur.
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place − well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ”P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic. 5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be
sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Otherwise, personal injury
may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.
Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ”P”. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one being changed if necessary.
Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow
the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
477
Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
When the tires must be repaired and replaced,
have them repaired and replaced by your Lexus
dealer or an authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be affected by the installation or removal of
tires.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure warning vales and
transmitters as well.
Compact spare tire
G40025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive
wording “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” 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.
Page 506 of 632
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
482
G40024
To remove the spare tire:
1Remove the luggage tray.
2Loosen the bolt and remove it.
When storing the spare tire, place it with the outer side
of the wheel facing up. Then bolt the tire in place and
install the luggage tool box to prevent the tire from flying
forward during a collision or sudden braking.
G40007
4. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to
keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.
When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block in front of
one of the front wheels or behind one of the rear wheels.
Page 507 of 632
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
483
G40008
5. Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen them.
To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so
that the handle is on the right side, as shown above.
Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up
on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip
off the nut.
Do not remove the nuts yet − just unscrew them about
one−half turn.
CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on the bolts or nuts. The
nuts may loosen and the wheels may fall off, which
could cause a serious accident.
G40009
6. Position the jack at the jack points as shown.
Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid
surface.
Page 508 of 632
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
484
G40010
7. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it
high enough so that the spare tire can be installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance
when putting on the spare tire than when removing the
flat tire.
To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack
(it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches
the vehicle and begins to lift, double −check that it is
properly positioned.
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
G40011
8. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.