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1884-1. Before driving
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) greater than
the recommended value when towing. (→P. 5 4 6 )
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer weight
and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your trailer.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should not be
used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the load
exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will not be towing a load that exceeds
the maximum permissible axle capacity.
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the traffic
behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extending arms of
these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide maximum visibility
of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for towing
due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for approximately
1000 km (600 miles).
NOTICE
■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corrosion,
which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhib-
itor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a steel bracket.
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411
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)7-2. Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to
the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Lexus Service Book-
let” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an experienced do-it-your-
self mechanic, we recommend that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance,
which could be useful should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose
to select a qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus
repairer to service or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular mainte-
nance are essential. Lexus recommends the following maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance
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4127-2. Maintenance
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out
by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties you
may encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be
able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive
with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (→P. 9 5 )
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possible. Your
vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds
which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling. (→P. 4 2 2 )
Page 427 of 588
4277-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
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.
Check spare tire condition and pressure
if not rotated.
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus recommends that tire rota-
tion is carried out approximately every 10000 km (6000 miles).
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure warning system after tire rotation. (vehicle
with a tire pressure warning system)
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
1
2
3
Tire rotation
XVehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size XVehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
FrontFront
Page 441 of 588
4417-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.
The “↑UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case should be pointing up.
■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Lexus Service Booklet” or
“Lexus Warranty Booklet”.)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
5
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.