2006 LEXUS RX330 tire type

CHASSIS
575
DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The illustration indicates typical DOT and Tire
Identification Number (TIN).
1“DOT” symbol
2Tire Identification Number (TIN)
3Tire manufacturer’s identification mark
4Tire size code
5Manufacturer’s optional tire type code
(3 or 4 letters)
6Manufacturing week
7Manufacturing year
The “DOT” symbol certifies that the tire conforms to
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Tire size
 The illustration indicates typical tire size.
1Tire use (P=Passenger car, T=Temporary
use)
2Section width (in millimeters)
3Aspect ratio (tire height to section width)
4Tire construction code
(R=Radial, D=Diagonal)
5Wheel diameter (in inches)
6Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
7Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)

CHASSIS
580
Tire related termMeaning
Normal occupant
weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second \
column of
Table 1 that follows
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column \
of Table 1
that follows
Production options
weightthe 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 heav\
y duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Recommended
inflation pressurecold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
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

CHASSIS
583
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally
equipped with.
1. 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.
2. 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.
The details about how to distinguish summer tires
from all season tires are described on page 573.
CAUTION

Do not mix summer and all season 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.

CHASSIS
586
This applies also 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.
Also, on fourwheel drive models, 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
Certification Label and sidewall of the tire, see pages
536 and 573.
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.
 Fourwheel drive models:
Do not use tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may
cause dangerous handling characteristics
resulting in loss of control.

CHASSIS
588
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front 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
Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure as
the original tires.
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
1Side chain2Cross chain
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For 225/65R17 101S or P235/55R18 99V tires, use the
following type chains. mm (in.)
A: Diameter of side chain 3.0 (0.12)
B: Width of side chain 10.0 (0.39)
C: Length of side chain 30.0 (1.18)
D: Width of cross chain 14.0 (0.55)
E: Length of cross chain 25.0 (0.98)
F: Diameter of cross chain 4.0 (0.16)

CHASSIS
589
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check local
regulations before installing chains.
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, the
chains could damage the vehicle body.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the rear tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 — 1.0 km (1/4 — 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION

Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident
may occur.
 Vehicles with electronically modulated air
suspension: When installing the tire chains, be sure
to turn off the height control and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change in the
automatic leveling function, resulting in an
unexpected accident. For details, see page 446.
If the chains are installed, the tire pressure warning
system may not operate properly. See “Tire pressure
warning system” on page 462.

CHASSIS
590
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
 Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
 Fourwheel drive models:
Do not use wheels of different brands, sizes and
types, as this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of control.
Initial adjustment of the tire pressure warning system is
necessary after you have replaced your wheels. See “Tire
pressure warning system” on page 462.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
608
1Type A2Type B3Good4Blown
If the headlights or other electrical components do not
work and the blade type fuses are O.K., check the
cartridge type fuses. If any of the cartridge type fuses are
blown, they must be replaced.
If there is an overload in the circuits from the battery, the fuses
are designed to blow before the entire wiring harness is
damaged.
CAUTION
Always use a genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent for
replacement. Never install an ordinary wire — even for
a temporary fix. This may cause extensive damage and
possibly a fire.
NOTICE
Before replacing the fuses, have the cause of electrical
overload determined and repaired by your Lexus dealer.