4717-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■Low profile tires (vehicles with 17 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 appro-
priate for road and weather conditions.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tire s as snow tires is lost.
■Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly (if
equipped)
●In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• Lock nuts are equipped.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel
housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-
port or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical noise
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless communication device
●When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be
extended.
●When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the
warning may not function.
■The initialization operation (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
●Make sure to carry out initialization afte r adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carry ing out initialization or tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment.
●If you have accidentally turned the power switch off during initialization, it is not neces-
sary to press the reset switch again as init ialization will restart automatically when the
power switch has been turned to ON mode for the next time.
●If you accidentally press the reset switch wh en initialization is not necessary, adjust the
tire inflation pressure to the specified leve l when the tires are cold, and conduct initial-
ization again.
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4727-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
■Warning performance of the tire pressure warning system (if equipped)
The warning of the tire pressure warning system will change in accordance with the con-
ditions under which it was initialized. For this reason, the system may give a warning even
if the tire pressure does not reach a low enough level, or if the pressure is higher than the
pressure that was adjusted to when the system was initialized.
■When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed (if equipped)
Initialization can be co mpleted in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the set-
tings have not been recorded and the syst em will not operate properly. If repeated
attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light
does not blink 3 times.
●After carrying out the initializat ion procedure, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.
■Certification for tire pressure warning system
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4767-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system (if equipped)
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire
inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may
not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire
inflation pressure is actually normal.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and
tire valve caps (if equipped)
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional as the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
may be damaged if not handled correctly.
●Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water
could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves
could be bound.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.
The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters (if equipped)
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants , the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qu alified and equipped professional or other
qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warn-
ing valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. ( →P. 4 6 9 )
■Driving 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 cushioning
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.
■Low profile tires (vehicles with 17 inch tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel when sustain-
ing impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to the following:
●Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated, they may be
damaged more severely.
●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure to do so
may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.
■If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
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4777-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Tire inflation pressure
■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 any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■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
1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. 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 pl aced so that the vehicle is balanced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation pressure
should be checked at least once per month. However, Lexus recommends
that tire inflation pressure be checked once every two weeks. ( →P. 585)
WA R N I N G
■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
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4787-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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 leakage,
which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost, replace them as soon as possible.
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4797-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Wheels
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 any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following:
●Wheels of different sizes or types
●Used wheels
●Bent wheels that have been straightened
●Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with your alumi-
num 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.
●Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber
hammer when balancing your wheels.
■When replacing wheels (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advance warning 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 6 9 )
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced. Other-
wise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel precautions
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5188-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
*1: Brake system warning buzzer:When there is a possible problem that coul d affect braking performance, the warning
light will come on and a warning buzzer will sound.
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→ P. 5 2 6
*2: Open door warning buzzer:
→ P. 5 2 3
*3: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt buzzer:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver and front
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds for 30 seconds
after the vehicle reaches a speed of 20 km/h (12 mph). Then, if the seat belt is still
unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
*4: Rear passengers’ seat belt buzzer:The rear passengers’ seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver that the rear seat belt
is not fastened. The buzzer sounds for 30 seconds after the vehicle reaches a speed
of 20 km/h (12 mph). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a
different tone for 90 more seconds.
*5: If the rear seat belt is not fastened, the lig ht will go off after a short period of time.
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passenge r seat, the front passenger detection sensor
may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passen-
ger is not sitting in the seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger, and the warn-
ing light may not operate properly.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insu fficient or the voltage temporarily drops,
the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer
may sound.
(If equipped)
Tire pressure warning light When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes ( →P. 5 1 9 )
• Flat tire ( →P. 539, 551)
→ Adjust the tire inflation pre ssure to the specified level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does
not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the
system checked by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
When the light comes on af ter blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pr essure warning system (→P. 5 1 9 )
→ Have the system checked by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
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5198-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CT200h_OM_OM76135E_(EE)
8
When trouble arises
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on if the fuel tank becomes completely empty.
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel the vehicle immediately. The malfunction indicator lamp
will go off after several trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possible.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on (vehicles with the tire pressure warning
system)
Inspect the appearance of the tire to check that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured: →P. 539, 551
If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the tire temperature has lowered sufficiently.
●Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
●If the warning light does not go out even after several minutes, check that the tire infla-
tion pressure is at the specified level and carry out initialization. (→P. 4 6 9 )
The warning light may come on again if the above operations are conducted without first
allowing the tire temperature to lower sufficiently.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes (vehicles with the
tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning light may turn on du e to natural causes such as natural air leaks
or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire
inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire (vehicles with a compact spare tire and the tire
pressure warning system)
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few
minutes.
■Conditions that the tire pressure warning system may not function properly (vehicles
with the tire pressure warning system)
→ P. 4 7 1
■If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute (vehi-
cles with the tire pressure warning system)
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute when the
power switch is turned to ON mode, have it checked by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
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