Page 361 of 692

3614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power cont rol unit coolant
•Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch 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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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, chassi s, 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 sa fe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced spee d suitable to road conditions.
Winter driving tips
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
Page 362 of 692

3624-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
●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
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
●If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is atte mpted to be shifted from P to any other posi-
tion without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P,
there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by
your authorized Lexus reta iler or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Except 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
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Vehicles with 18-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Page 363 of 692

3634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
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 0.5
1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehi cle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
●Do not use LKA (Lane Keeping Assist) system.
■Driving with tire chains (excep t vehicles with 18-inch tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of th e speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or 50
km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
Page 364 of 692
3644-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal an d attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains (except vehicles with 18-inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transm itters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.
Page 501 of 692

501
7Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ................502
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior..................506
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ............................509
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions................................... 511
Hood ................................................ 513
Positioning a floo r jack ............. 514
Engine compartment ................ 515
12-volt battery ............................. 522
Tires ................................................. 525
Replacing the tire....................... 537
Tire inflation pressure .............. 543
Wheels ........................................... 545
Air conditioning filter ............... 547
Electronic key battery.............. 549
Checking and replacing
fuses.............................................. 552
Light bulbs..................................... 556
Page 510 of 692

5107-2. Maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the be st possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out by authorized Lexus reta ilers or Lexus authorized repairers, or any reliable repairers. For
repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus retailer
or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus pa rts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus retailers or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs an d services, as members of the Lexus network will be able
to expertly assist you with an y difficulties you may encounter.
Your authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus author ized repairer, or any reliable repairer 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 an d 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, wate r 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 cont inually higher than normal (P. 105)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized re pairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in se rious damage to the vehicle and possible death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds which are known to cause brain da mage. Wash your hands after handling.
( P. 522)
Page 525 of 692
5257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check the tires
for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicato rs is shown by a “TWI” or “” mark, etc., molded
into the sidewall of each tire. Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
1
2
3
Page 526 of 692

5267-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and help extend ti re life, Lexus recommends that tire rota-
tion is carried out approximately every 10000 km (6000 miles).
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressu re warning system after tire rotation.
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before
serious problems arise.
If the tire pressure drops below a predeter mined level, the driver is warned by a
warning light. ( P. 578)
◆Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pr essure warning valves and transmitters
must also be installed.
When new tire pressure wa rning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID
codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire
pressure warning system must be initia lized. Have tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter ID codes registered by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. ( P. 527)
Tire rotation
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
FrontFront
Tire pressure warning system