475
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, and
bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of
a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with any auth orized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Replacing tires and wheels (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire
pressure warning system will not work proper ly. After driving for about 10 minutes, the
tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minu te and stays on to indicate a system malfunc-
tion.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom
or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not re place routine tire inflation pressure checks.
Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.
■When rotating the tires (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system featuring a tire
inflation pressure display function)
Make sure that the engine switch is off. If the tires are rotated while the engine switch is in
IGNITION ON mode, the tire position information will not be updated.
If this accidentally occurs, either turn the engine switch to off and then to IGNITION ON
mode, or initialize the system after checking th at the tire pressure is properly adjusted.
■Low profile tires (except 225/50R17 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when comp ared 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. ( P. 385)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.
477
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■When initialization of the tire pressure warn ing system has failed (vehicles with the tire
pressure warning system)
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 retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
●The initialization message is not displayed on the multi-information display when per-
forming initialization.
●After carrying out the initializat ion procedure, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.
■Registering ID codes (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
The ID codes of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitters for two sets of wheels
can be registered.
It is not necessary to register the ID codes when replacing normal tires with snow tires, if
the ID codes for the wheels of both normal tires and snow tires are registered before-
hand.
For information about changing ID codes, ask any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Certification for tire pressure warning system (vehicles with the tire pressu re warning
system)
483
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an acc ident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
●Vehicles with spare tire (GS350/GS200t with compact spare tire, and GS F):
Do not tow if your vehicle has a spare tire installed.
●Vehicles with emergency tire puncture repair kit: Do not tow anything if a tire that has
been repaired using the emergency tire punc ture repair kit is installed. The load on
the tire may cause unexpected damage to the tire.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system (vehicles with the tire pressure
warning system)
Do not initialize tire inflation pressure withou t first adjusting the tire inflation pressure to
the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pre ssure 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.
■Caution regarding interference with electronic devices (vehicles with the tire pres-
sure warning system featuring a tire inflation pressure display function)
●Users of any electrical medical device other than implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defi-
brillators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its
operation under the influence of radio waves.
Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical
devices.
●People with implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemak-
ers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators
should not come within 450 mm (17.7 in.) of
the tire pressure warning system initiators.
The radio waves may affect the operation of
such devices.
4846-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and
tire valve caps (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer as the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may be dam-
aged 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 valv es 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 (vehicles with
the tire pressure warning system)
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 retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or other qualified
service shop as soon as possible. After use of liquid sealant, make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitte r when repairing or replacing the tire.
( P. 473)
■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 (except 225/50R17 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 pressu re. If tires are under-inflated, they may be
damaged more severely.
●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs an d 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.
485
6
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
Tire inflation pressure
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■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 dri ven 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.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is prop erly inflated based only on its appearance.
●It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated
in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.
●Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation pressure
should be checked at least once pe r month. However, Lexus recommends
that tire inflation pressure be checked once every two weeks. ( P. 629)
WARNING
■Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur which could
lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
●Air leaking from between tire and wheel
●Wheel deformation and/or tire damage
●Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards, expansion
joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)
4866-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or mois ture may get into the valve and cause an air
leak, resulting in decrease d tire inflation pressure.
487
6
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
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 retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
* : 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
● Steel wheels (except for GS200t with steel spare wheel)
● 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 warnin g valves and transmit-
ters that allow the tire pressure warning sy stem 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. 473)
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
507
7When trouble arises
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
7-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ................. 508
If your vehicle has to be stopped
in an emergency ..................... 509 7-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed................................. 510
If you think something is wrong........................................ 516
Fuel pump shut off system ........517
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds........................................... 518
If a warning message is displayed ................................ 524
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with spare tire) ......................... 557
If you have a flat tire (vehicles without spare tire)................... 573
If the engine will not start ........590
If the parking brake cannot be released................. 592
If the electronic key does not operate properly ..................... 594
If the vehicle battery is discharged ............................. 597
If your vehicle overheats ......... 602
If the vehicle becomes stuck .........................608