Page 262 of 586

2614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary,
block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
XExcept vehicles with 18-inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
XVehicles with 18-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en 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 the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 1 /4
1/2 mile (0.5 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Page 406 of 586
4057-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lex us dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. (→ P. 4 2 0 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( →P. 4 1 9 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level? (→ P. 4 1 7 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (→P. 4 1 4 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from for-
eign objects. ( →P. 4 1 8 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid? ( →P. 4 2 2 )
Page 407 of 586

4067-2. Maintenance
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with- out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance from the floor? ( →P. 5 1 8 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (→ P. 5 1 8 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake•Moves smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount offree play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel.
Page 410 of 586

409
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
7
Maintenance and care
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(→ P. 4 2 0 )•Warm water• Baking soda•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 4 1 9 )• SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level
(→ P. 4 1 7 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite
and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(→ P. 4 1 4 )• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
(→ P. 4 4 1 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 444)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( →P. 4 1 8 )
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( →P. 4 3 2 )• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
(→ P. 4 2 2 )• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
Page 414 of 586
4137-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (→P. 4 4 1 )
Battery ( →P. 4 2 0 )
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 4 1 4 )
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 4 1 7 )
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 4 1 5 )Brake fluid reservoir (
→P. 4 1 9 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d t a n k ( →P. 422)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 4 1 8 )
Radiator ( →P. 4 1 8 )1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 420 of 586

4197-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines
on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear out or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref illing, there may be a serious problem.
Page 458 of 586

4578-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.
Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N.
XIf the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the engine.
XIf the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as
much as possible.
To stop the engine, press and hold
the engine switch for 2 consecutive
seconds or more, or press it briefly 3
times or more in succession.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency
Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way, stop the vehicle using the following procedure:
1
2
3
4
3
Press and hold for 2 seconds or more
or press briefly 3 times or more
4
CAUTION
■If the engine has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lo st, making the brake pedal
harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possi-
ble before turning off the engine.
5
Page 461 of 586
4608-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350/250_U (OM53C50U)
If your Lexus is transported by a flatbed
truck, it should be tied down at the
locations shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie down
your vehicle, the angles shaded in black
must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or
the vehicle may be damaged.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily
towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. This
should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads for 50 miles (80 km) 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.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing