2008 LEXUS RX400H tires

182
2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
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/power control unit 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 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
RX400h_U
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).

185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX400h_U
■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 tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying instruc-
tions.
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
RX400h_U
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 air pressure sensor.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire air pressure sensor may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.

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2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
Connecting trailer lightsWith tow hitch receiver
Use the socket located under the rear bumper.
Without tow hitch receiver
Use the wire harness stored in the rear end under body.
■Front Emblem
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●The vehicle's tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 3 4 0 )
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
●All trailer lights work
●All lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue load, overloading,
worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing pur-
poses.
With towing package
Without towing package
On vehicles with a towing package, the
front emblem has openings, which are
designed to improve the cooling perfor-
mance.

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2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
●Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
●Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
●Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
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
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.

Maintenance and care4
297
RX400h_U
4-1. Maintenance and care ............................... 298
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............ 298
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ............... 301
4-2. Maintenance .................. 304 Maintenance requirements ....................... 304
General maintenance .......... 306
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs............................... 309 4-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance ................. 310
Do-it-yourself service precautions ............................ 310
Hood ........................................... 313
Positioning a floor jack .......... 314
Engine compartment ............ 316
Tires............................................. 331
Tire inflation pressure........... 340
Wheels ...................................... 344
Air conditioning filter ........... 346
Wireless remote control battery .................................... 348
Rear seat entertainment system controller ................ 350
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................ 352
Headlight aim (vehicles with discharge
headlights) ............................ 364
Light bulbs................................ 365

308
4-2. Maintenance
RX400h_U
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Door• Operate smoothly?
Engine hood• The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks• Is there any leakage after parking?
Ti r e
• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■If the hybrid system is running
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.