
159
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■When using intuitive parking assist
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sensor 
malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
●A beep does not sound when you turn the main switch ON.
●The intuitive parking assist operation display flashes, and a beep sound when no 
obstacle has been detected.
●If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to strong 
impact.
●If the bumper collides with something.
●If the display shows continuously without a beep.
■When changing tires
If you install tires of a size other than that recommended by the manufacturer, the 
system will be unable to correctly detect steering wheel movement. Always use tire 
sizes recommended by the manufacturer.
■When washing the vehicle
When washing the vehicle using high pressure cleaning equipment, do not spray 
water directly on the sensors. Subjecting the sensors to high pressure impact may 
cause a malfunction. 

168
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively when
●On steep inclines.
●On icy surfaces.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load 
capacity. In addition, make sure that the ti res are inflated to the specified tire pres-
sure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehi-
cle. 
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the 
VDIM, and may cause the system to malfunction. 

176
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the 
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the 
prevailing weather conditions. 
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. 
• Engine oil
• Engine/inverter coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of 
battery electrolyte. 
● Have the vehicle fitted with four  snow tires or purchase a set of 
tire chains for the rear tires. 
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match 
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according  to the driving conditions. 
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen  area to melt the ice. Wipe 
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing. 
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, 
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in 
front of the windshield. 
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis. 
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that 
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.  

179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location. 
●Install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying 
instructions. 
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.  
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious 
injury.
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
●Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires 
being used.
●Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.  
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle  being unable to be driven safely, and may 
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, 
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use  of chains may adversely affect vehicle 
handling.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is 
maintained. 

384
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmittersWhen replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters are installed, 
new tire pressure warning valve and  transmitter ID codes must be regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning  computer and tire pressure warning 
system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter ID code registered by your Lexus dealer. ( P. 386)
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■ The tire pressure warning system must  be initialized in the following 
circumstances:
● When changing the tire  inflation pressure by changing traveling 
speed or load weight, etc.
● When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning sys tem is initialized, the current tire 
inflation pressure is set as the pressure benchmark. 

387
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the 
fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or 
location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warn ing valve and transmitter is not registered, 
the tire pressure warning system will not  work properly. After about 20 minutes, the 
tire pressure warning light comes on after bl inking for 1 minute to indicate a system 
malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they 
have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Low profile tires (245/40R18, P245/40R18 and 245/40ZR18 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be 
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when co mpared to standard tires. Be sure to 
use snow tires or snow chains on snowy  and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a 
speed appropriate for road  and weather conditions. 

388
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Maximum load of tire
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. (
P. 393, 498).
■Tire types
1 Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving 
under dry conditions. Since summer tires  do not have the same traction perfor-
mance as snow tires, summer tires are in adequate for driving on snow-covered 
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered  roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires 
is recommended. When 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 ade-
quate for driving in most winter conditions , as well as for use year round. All sea-
son tires, however, do not have adequa te traction performance compared with 
snow tires in heavy or loos e snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration 
and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy  roads, we recommend using snow tires. 
If you need snow tires, select tires of  the same size, construction and load capac-
ity as the originally installed tires. 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 loca l regulations for possible restriction. 
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. ( P.  1 76 )
■Initializing the tire pressure warning system
Initialize the tires with the tire inflatio n pressure adjusted to the specified level. 

391
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. Failure to do so may cause 
damage to parts of the drive train, as well as dangerous handling characteristics, 
which may lead to fatal or injury accidents.
●Do not mix tires of different makes,  models, tread patterns or treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
●Do not mix summer, all season and winter tires.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not push the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire 
inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light 
may not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when 
the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels and  tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters
When removing or fitting the wheels, tire s or the tire pressure warning valve and 
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may be damaged if  not handled correctly.
■To avoid damaging the tire pressu re warning valves and transmitters
Do not use liquid sealants on flat tire.