2012 Lexus LFA tires

276
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters
and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters may be damage d if not handled correctly.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not us e tire valve caps other than those speci-
fied. The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid seal ants, 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 so on as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 2 7 0 )
■Impacts from road surfaces
This vehicle is equipped with low prof ile tires, which may cause greater damage
than usual to tires, wheels, body and susp ension due to impacts from road surfaces.
Therefore, pay attention to the following:
●Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure.
If tires are under-inflated, tires and wheels may be damaged more severely.
●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards.
Failure to do so may lead to severe ti re, wheel, body and suspension damage.
Even if there is no obvious damage, if the vehicle receives an impact from the road
surface, have it inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
■Tire precautions during cold weather
This vehicle is fitted with high-grip tires to enhance grip. These tires may be dam-
aged if their temperature falls below -31 F (-35C). In extremely cold conditions,
use snow tires on the vehicle and keep the high-grip tires in a warm place.
Even if there is no obvious damage, if the temperature of the high-grip tires falls
below -31 F (-35C), have them inspected at your Lexus dealer.

279
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel efficiency
●Reduced driving comfort and tire life
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven for
more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure
reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be mislea ding. In addition, tire inflation pressure
that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality and handling.
●Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
■Tire inflation pressure display
Tire inflation pressure can be checked on the meter's “Tire Pressure” display.
(  P. 1 3 2 )

280
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Proper 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:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
●Poor sealing of the tire bead
●Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
●A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
■When 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.

281
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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 handling
control.
The wheel bolts used are exclusive to the LFA. When replacing the wheels or
wheel bolts, consult your Lexus dealer.
■ Aluminum wheel precautions
●Use only Lexus wheel bolts design ed for use with your aluminum
wheels.
● When repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel bolts
are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Use only Lexus genuine balance we ights or equivalent when bal-
ancing your wheels.
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your Lexus are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advanced warning in
the event of a loss in tire inflation pres sure. Whenever wheels are replaced, the tire
pressure warning valves and tran smitters must be installed. (P. 2 7 1 )
■Wheel bolt torque
An exclusive hub socket for the wheel bolts of
the LFA is contained in the tool bag. A 1 /2-
inch (12.7 mm) drive extension bar and a
torque wrench are required to tighten the
bolts.
Tightening torque:
81 ft
•lbf (110 N•m, 11.2 kgf•m)

282
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 tubeless tire.
Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious injury.
■Wheel bolts
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Do not over tighten.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel bolts to be excessively tightened, leading to
bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the wheel bolts
to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a serious accident. Remove any oil or
grease from the wheel bolts.
●If there are any cracks or deformations in the wheel bolts, or if the surface treat-
ment becomes worn, have the wheel bolts replaced at your Lexus dealer.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the wheel bolts to loosen and the
tire to fall off, resulting in death or serious injury.
●If the wheels are frequently removed and installed due to circuit driving etc.,
Lexus recommends periodic changing of the wheel bolts.
NOTICE
■Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
●Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by your Lexus dealer or other
qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to purchase your tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters at your Lexus dealer.
●Ensure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with non-
genuine wheels.

306
5-1. Essential information
Using a flatbed truckUse a flatbed truck suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance. To
prevent body damage, do not tow with a wheel-lift or sling type truck. We
recommend having your Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service
load and unload the vehicle whenever possible.
■ Before loading the vehicle on a flatbed truck
Deactivate the tilt sensor. ( P. 56)
■ After the vehicle is loaded
Select Neutral, apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position.
Use wheel chocks for all 4 wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Secure the vehicle by strapping
the tires to the deck of the tow
truck as shown.
STEP1
STEP2

5
When trouble arises
307
5-1. Essential information
■Emergency towing procedureStart the engine.
If the engine cannot be started, turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or
“ON” position.
With Neutral selected, release the parking brake.
■When using the towing eyelet
Use the towing eyelet only when your vehicle is being towed.
Do not use the towing eyelet to tow another vehicle or to tie down your vehicle on a
flatbed truck.
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 eyelet and the cable or chain. 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 may not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This may lead
to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
■To prevent vehicle damage
Observe the following precautions when using a flatbed truck:
●Do not drive over wheel chocks, as doing so may damage the tires.
●Do not tie down the vehicle over any part s other than the tires (do not use parts
such as the suspension).
STEP1
STEP2

308
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge ind icates that the temperature is
higher than normal.
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spon gy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor