Page 497 of 724
4977-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
1
2
WARNING
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may op en while the vehicle is in motion and cause
an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Page 507 of 724

5077-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations,
oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil
maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after
replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving while accel-
erating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through
heavy traffic
■After changing the engine oil (RC200t only)
The engine oil maintenance data should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
While the vehicle is stopped, press the meter control switch on the steering wheel.
Press the < or > meter control switch on the st eering wheel, select, and then
press the meter control switch.
Press ∧ or ∨ meter control switch on the steering wheel to select “Oil Maintenance”
and then press .
Select “Yes” an d then press .
A message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harm ful contaminants which may cause skin dis-
orders such as inflammation and skin cance r, so care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a sa fe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of
used oil and filters in household tras h, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information concerning
recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
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2
3
4
Page 511 of 724

5117-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Check the radiator, condenser and intercooler radiator and clear away any for-
eign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely dirt y or you are not sure of their condition,
have your vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■When the engine is hot (RC350/RC300/RC200t)
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap, intercooler coolant reservoir cap and
radiator cap. ( →P. 634)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
■When the engine is hot (RC F)
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap. (→P. 634)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water and
antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection and cool-
ing. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
Radiator, condenser and intercooler radiator (if equipped)
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser or inte rcooler as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
Page 512 of 724

5127-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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
RC350/RC300/RC200tRC F
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING
■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 ey es, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience di scomfort, 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 515 of 724

5157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen
gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury, take
the following precautions while wo rking on or near the battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the battery.
■Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area . Do not charge the battery in a garage or
closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less) . The battery may explode if charged at a
quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to
the nearest medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you fe el pain or burning, get medical attention
immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your s kin. Immediately take off the clothing and fol-
low the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergenc y medical attention immedi-
ately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories
are turned off.
Page 516 of 724
5167-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
If any washer does not work or the warning message appears on the multi-infor-
mation display, the washer tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.
Washer fluid
RC350/RC300RC200t
RC F
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid contains
alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.
Page 517 of 724

5177-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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 “Δ” mark, etc., molded
into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend tire life,
Lexus recommends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same interval as tire
inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure
warning system after tire rotation.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes
Tires cannot be rotated.
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
Tire rotation
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2
3
Front
Page 518 of 724

5187-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 predet ermined level, the driver is warned by
a screen display and a warning light. ( →P. 567, 583)
●The tire pressure detected by the
tire pressure warning system can be
displayed on the multi-information
display. ( →P. 109, 117)
The illustration used is intended as an
example, and may differ from the image
that is actually disp layed on the multi-
information display.
◆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 your Lexus dealer. ( →P. 519)
◆Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circum-
stances:
●When rotating the tires.
●When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing travel-
ing speed.
●When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation
pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system