2011 Lexus IS220d Chain

228
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
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 may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following sit-
uations.
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 surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when (vehicles with an
automatic transmission)
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 with 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.

239
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
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 or purchase a
set of tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same 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 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.

240
2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Selecting tire chains
Tire chains can be mounted on 16- and 17-inch tires. They cannot
be mounted on 18-inch tires. Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire 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 tire 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.
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 (automatic
transmission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) 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.

241
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EERetighten the chains after driving 0.5  1.0 km (1/4  1/2
mile).
Tire chains (models with 16- and 17-inch tires)
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. Do not install tire chains on front 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.
Driving with tire chains (models with 16- and 17-inch tires)
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.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

424
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250/220d/200d_EE
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 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.
Low profile tires (models not equipped with 16-inch 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 18-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.

428
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS250/220d/200d_EE
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 rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that
the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000
miles).
Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.

5
459
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
IS250/220d/200d_EE
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, before towing.
The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emer-
gency towing eyelet(s). This should only be attempted on hard,
surfaced roads for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, such as a commercial towing service, using a
lift-type truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provin-
cial and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the vehicle's front wheels and axles must be in
good condition. (P. 463)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

460
5-1. Essential information
IS250/220d/200d_EETowing eyelets
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode
or IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
Caution while towing
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
When towing a vehicle without using a towing dolly
(vehicles with a manual transmission)
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must not be OFF.
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