263
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
•Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of
the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
428
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WA R N I N G
The engine compartment contains many components and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving
as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel and
battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P. 4 3 7 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)
4337-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on
the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground.
After warming up the engine and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
XFlat dipstick XNon-flat dipstick
6
436
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” line.
(→ P. 5 1 0 )
■Coolant selection
Only use “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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
(Minimum temperature: -44° F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir cap, drain cock and water
pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in the
cooling system.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
Engine coolant
1
2
3
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)
5199-1. Specifications
9
Vehicle specifications
■Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Lexus vehicle. Use Lexus
approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following
grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20
SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good start-
ing in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE
5W-20 oil may be used. However, it
must be replaced with SAE 0W-20
at the next oil change.
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example):• The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of
the engine in cold weather.
• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the
oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher
value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or
under extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
The International Lubricant Specifi-
cation Advisory Committee
(ILSAC) Certification Mark is added
to some oil containers to help you
select the oil you should use.
Outside temperature
568Alphabetical index
ES350_OM_OM33C68U_(U)
EngineAccessory mode................................. 155
Compartment ....................................... 431
Engine switch ........................................ 154
Hood ........................................................ 429
How to start the engine ................... 154
Identification number ........................ 517
If the engine will not start............... 502
Ignition switch (engine switch)..... 154
Overheating .......................................... 510
Engine compartment cover ............. 432
Engine coolant Capacity ................................................ 520
Checking................................................436
Preparing and checking before winter ....................................263
Engine coolant temperature gauge .........................................................76
Engine immobilizer system ................. 65
Engine oil Capacity .................................................. 518
Checking................................................433
Preparing and checking before winter ....................................263
Enhanced VSC ..................................... 258
EPS (Electronic Power Steering)Function ..................................................259
Warning light ...................................... 483
Event data recorder (EDR) ...................10 Flat tire ........................................................ 491
Floor mats....................................................26
Fluid
Automatic transmission ....................521
Brake.......................................................... 521
Washer ..................................................... 441
Fog lights
Switch ........................................................ 172
Footwell light...........................................379
Front passenger occupant classification system ............................44
Front personal lights ........................... 380
Front seats Adjustment............................................... 116
Cleaning................................................... 417
Correct driving posture .................... 28
Driving position memory................... 117
Head restraints .......................................121
Power easy access system ............... 117
Seat heaters .......................................... 378
Seat position memory .........................117
Seat ventilators.................................... 378
Front side marker lights
Light switch.............................................165
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 467
Wattage ................................................. 524
Front turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 465
Turn signal lever ...................................163
Wattage ................................................. 524F