2011 LEXUS RX350 wheel

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4-1. Maintenance and care
4

Maintenance and care
nAluminum wheels
lRemove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
lDo not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after driving
for long distance in the hot weather.
lWash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
nBumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
nTo prevent deterioration and body corrosion
lWash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

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4-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
nTo prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (alu-
minum wheels etc.)
lWash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed,
new tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes must be regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning
system must be initialized. Have the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter ID codes registered by your Lexus dealer. (→P. 4 8 1 )
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
nThe tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following
circumstances:
lWhen the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing
travelling speed or load weight
lWhen changing the tire size
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
nThe tire pressure warning system
Your Lexus is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire infla-
tion pressure before serious problems arise. (→P. 537, 545)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a unique
ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it
is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by your
Lexus dealer.
nWhen to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
lYou have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the
fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage.
lA 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 your Lexus dealer.
nReplacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light flashes for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a
system malfunction.
nTire life
lStandard tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if
they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
lThe compact spare tire could be deformed gradually in the long term even if
you don't use it. Be sure to have the compact spare tire checked by your Lexus
dealer if it is over 5 years.
nIf the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nMaximum load of tire
Check that the number given by dividing the maximum load by 1.10 of the replace-
ment tire is greater than 1 /2 of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either
the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is greater.
nTire types
1Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving
under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction perfor-
mance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires
is recommended. When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use year round. All sea-
son tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with
snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration
and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires.
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capac-
ity as the originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. (→P. 2 5 4 )
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, see the load
limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure
mentioned on the sidewall of the tire.
(→P. 6 0 9 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
nRepairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters
and tire valve caps
lWhen removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
lWhen replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those speci-
fied. The cap may become stuck.
nTo avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus
dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (→P. 4 7 9 )
nDriving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-
ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the
tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
nIf tire inflation pressures become low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nProper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions may occur
and result in an accident causing death or serious injury:
lExcessive wear
lUneven wear
lPoor handling
lPossibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
lPoor sealing of the tire bead
lWheel deformation and/or tire separation
lA greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
nWhen inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve and cause air leak-
age, which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost, replace them as soon as
possible.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Wheels
nWhen replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advanced warn-
ing in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced,
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be installed. (→P. 4 7 9 )
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of han-
dling control.
nWheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following:
lWheels of different sizes or types
lUsed wheels
lBent wheels that have been straightened
nAluminum wheel precautions
lUse only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
lWhen rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
lBe careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
lUse only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.