2006 LEXUS RX330 tires

DRIVING TIPS
482
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAUTION
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 210 (2.1, 30) Rear 210 (2.1, 30)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
487
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicletrailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding
72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep
or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking efficiency.
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 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 warmup 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 (standard type)”
or “Automatic transmission (multi− mode type)” on page 389
or 398.)
 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.

DRIVING TIPS
489
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity. Follow
the load limits shown below. Total load capacity and
seating capacity are also described on the tire and
loading information label. For location of the tire and
loading information label, see “Checking tire inflation
pressure” on page 570.
Total load capacity: 420 kg (925 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage. Tongue load is
included when trailer towing.
Seating capacity: Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of
each person, the seating capacity given may exceed
the total load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.
Towing capacity:
Without towing package 907 kg (2000 lb.)
With towing package 1588 kg (3500 lb.)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your
vehicle is able to tow.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending
on the size (weight) and the number of occupants.
For details, see “Capacity and distribution” that
follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires,
but also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
513
9. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure
of the replaced tire.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly
to the nearest service station and fill to the correct
pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and
moisture could get into the valve core and possibly
cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, put a new
one on as soon as possible.10. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
To stow the flat tire, install the inside spare tire cover
on the outer side of the spare tire cover. Put the flat
tire in the spare tire cover with the outer side facing
up and install the holding bracket. Turn the spare
tire clamp bolt clockwise with a jack handle and
adapter socket until you hear a click.
NOTICE
Ensure that there is no object caught between
the tire and the vehicle underbody.
Otherwise, the wheel may fly forward during
a collision or sudden braking.
 Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the
spare wheel carrier by the hook securely.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating
your tires.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
514
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and
flat tire are securely in place in their storage
location to reduce the possibility of personal
injury during a collision or sudden braking.
IF YOUR VEHICLE BECOMESSTUCK
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,
then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving
it forward and backward.
Twowheel drive models — Turn off the traction control
system to become unstuck to allow the tires to spin
enough to remove the vehicle from the obstruction. (For
details, see “Traction control system” on page 449.)
CAUTION
Do not attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it
forward and backward if people or objects are anywhere
near the vehicle. During the rocking operation the
vehicle may suddenly move forward or backward as it
becomes unstuck, causing injury or damage to nearby
people or objects.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
522Emergency towing eyelet precautions:

Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not
broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
 Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
 Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
 To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at
a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.
CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when
your vehicle becomes stuck in the mud, sand or other
condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power, make sure to observe the
precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive
stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or
chain may break, causing serious injury or damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly
continue the towing. Contact your Lexus dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
 Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle:
The following methods are effective to use when your
vehicle is stuck in the mud, sand or other condition from
which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own
power. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. In
addition, keep away from the vehicles and towing cable or
chain when towing.
 Remove the sand and soil in the front and the back of the
tires.
 Place stones or wood under the tires.

MAINTENANCE
531
Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.

MAINTENANCE
532
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire and loading information label. See page 570 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 585 for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.) See “Rotating tires” on
page 584.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.