2009 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

216
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
( → P. 448)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total lo ad capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 815 lb. (370 kg)
Total load capacity means the comb ined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximu m number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity, do
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may inc rease or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occu
pants.
GS_U_G.book Page 216 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

217
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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 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 rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size 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 window 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 accumu lated 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.
GS_U_G.book Page 217 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

218
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Regulations on the use of tire chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Alwa ys check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, bl ock the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.
GS_U_G.book Page 218 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

219
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Shifting the windshield wiper positionYou can shift the wipers to the rest position manually. (In heavy snow or
icy condition etc.)
Grip the wiper arm firmly when shifting the wiper position.
To rest position
Raise the wiper in line with the
windshield.
You can stand the wipers up for the
rest position.
*: More than 3.9 in. (10 cm)
To retract position Lower the wipers by pressing on
the wiper arm.
■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 only. Do not install tire chains on front tires.
●Install tire chains following the inst ructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
GS_U_G.book Page 219 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

220
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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.
●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.
GS_U_G.book Page 220 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
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.
GS_U_G.book Page 221 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

222
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Trailer towing
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also
does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch
carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycl e, etc. Your Lexus is not designed
for trailer towing or for the us e of tow hitch mounted carriers.
GS_U_G.book Page 222 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM

223
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with 4 wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
GS_U_G.book Page 223 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM