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CAUTION
If the hill- start assist control does not operate effectively
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered in ice.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving
may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. Exercise particu-
lar care when the indicator light flashes.
When TRC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.
As these are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRC and VSC unless necessary.
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the designated size and total load capacity, and
of the same brand and tread pattern. In addition, make sure that the tires are
inflated to the recommended tire pressure level.
The ABS, VSC and TRC systems will not function correctly if different
tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will
affect the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
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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
temperatures.
• 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.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
Tire chains cannot be installed on 19-inch tires. Use the
specified type of tire chains and install them on the rear
tires only. Before installing the tire chains, change all four
tires and wheels to those of the specified size (tires: 225/
40R18, wheels: 18x8JJ +45 offset). For details, contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
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 frozen. 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 accumulated on the vehicle chas-
sis
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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Selecting tire chains
Tire chains can be mounted on 18-inch tires. They cannot be
mounted on 19-inch tires. Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
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 rear tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive 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, prevent-
ing it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
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Tire 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 accompany-
ing manual.
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 specified size.
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Driving with tire 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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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 con-
trol is maintained.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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Tires
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, and 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 any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if
it has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
Replace tires when the treadwear indicators show.
Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Wo r n t r e a d
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “ ” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
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Tire rotation
It is not possible to rotate the tires, as the front and rear tire sizes are differ-
ent.
Tire replacement
P. 3 8 5
Low profile tires
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance
will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and
drive carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on 19-inch tires.
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 dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
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Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause loss of han-
dling control.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diame-
ter, rim width, and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using:
Wheels of different sizes or types
Used wheels
Bent wheels that have been straightened
Aluminum wheel precautions
Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use
with your aluminum wheels.
When repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel
nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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Tire and wheel replacement (if equipped)
CAUTION
When replacing wheels
Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in loss of handling control.
Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tube-
less tire. Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious
injury.
Each tire and wheel is designed only for
its original position on the vehicle.
Therefore, when replacing tires and
wheels make sure that they are fitted in
the position indicated on the reverse side
of the wheel.
“FR”: Front right-hand side
“FL”: Front left-hand side
“RR”: Rear right-hand side
“RL”: Rear left-hand side