2008 Lexus ES350 snow chains

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2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

167
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
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 appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
●Tire inflation pressure falls in winter as the outside temperature
falls. Add 2.9 to 4.3 psi (20 to 30 kPa, 0.2 to 0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar)
to the standard tire inflation pressure.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Selecting snow chainsUse the correct snow chain size when mounting the snow chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire sizes. Side chain 0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter
1.18 in. [30 mm] in length
0.39 in. [10 mm] in width
Cross chain
0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter
0.98 in. [25 mm] in length
0.55 in. [14 mm] in width
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Install the chains on the front tires.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■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 front tires only. Do not install tire chains on rear tires.
●Install the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●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 recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some 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.

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2-5. Driving information
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NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Lexus dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

5
When trouble arises
369
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system may become inoperative in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed (vehicles with full-
size spare tire).
●If the tire pressure warning select switch is set to a different tire setting.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use Lexus wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the full-size spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal recep-
tion.
●If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
trunk (vehicles with full-size spare tire).
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or higher.

390
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identified by the label TEMPORARY USE ONLY on
the tire sidewall.
Use the compact spare tire temporarily only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire pressure of the compact spare tire. (→P. 415)
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be warned. Also, if you
replace the compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning light comes on, the
light remains on.
■If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice (vehicles with com-
pact spare tire)
Install the compact spare tire on the rear of the vehicle. Perform the following steps
and fit tire chains to the front tires.
Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with the tire removed from the rear of the vehi-
cle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( →P. 3 1 8 )
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

451
Alphabetical index
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Tire informationGlossary ................................................ 426
Size ........................................................... 423
Tire identification number ............. 423
Uniform tire quality grading..........424
Tires
Chains ....................................................... 169
Checking ................................................. 316
If you have a flat tire.......................... 384
Inflation pressure ............................... 324
Inflation pressure sensor.................. 317
Information.............................................. 421
Replacing............................................... 384
Rotating tires .......................................... 316
Size ............................................................. 415
Snow tires.................................................. 171
Spare tire ............................................... 384
Tools .......................................................... 384
Total load capacity................................. 166
Towing
Dinghy towing...................................... 180
Emergency towing ........................... 352
Trailer towing......................................... 173
TRAC .......................................................... 157
Traction control ...................................... 157
Trip meter.................................................. 122
Trunk Extending a space ............................ 268
Opener........................................................ 41
Trunk light
Trunk light ................................................. 42
Wattage ................................................... 417 Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ........................343
Switch........................................................ 120
Wattage ....................................................417
Vanity lights Vanity lights ......................................... 258
Wattage ....................................................417
Vanity mirrors ........................................258
Vehicle identification number .........409
Vehicle stability control....................... 157
Ventilators ............................................... 263
VSC............................................................. 157
Warning buzzers Brake system........................................362
Downshifting ........................................... 119
Open door ...........................................364
Seat belt reminder .............................364
Warning lights
Anti-lock brake system ...................363
Brake assist system ...........................363
Brake system........................................362
Charging system................................363
Low fuel level .......................................364
Low tire pressure warning light ........................................................364
Malfunction indicator lamp ...........363
Master warning light.........................364
Open door ............................................364
Pre-collision system..........................363
Pretensioners .......................................363
Rear light failure warning light .....364
Seat belt reminder light...................364
SRS airbags...........................................363
V
W
*: Refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.