3396-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Tire pressure gauge
1 Remove the tire valve cap.
2 Press the tip of the tire pressure
gauge onto the tire valve.
3 Read the pressure using the gauge
gradations.
4 If the tire inflation pressure is not at
the recommended level, adjust the
pressure.
If you add too much air, press the
center of the valve to deflate.
5 After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurement and adjust-
ment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
6 Put the tire valve cap back on.
QTire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure
every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
QEffects of incorrect tire inflation pres-
sure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure
may result in the following:
OReduced fuel economy
OReduced driving comfort and poor han-
dling
OReduced tire life due to wear
OReduced safety
ODamage to the drivetrain
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it
checked by your Lexus dealer.
QInstructions for checking tire inflation
pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure,
observe the following:
OCheck only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at
least 3 hours or has not been driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an
accurate cold tire inflation pressure read-
ing.
OAlways use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly
inflated based only on its appearance.
OIt is normal for the tire inflation pressure
to be higher after driving as heat is gener-
ated in the tire. Do not reduce tire infla-
tion pressure after driving.
ONever exceed the vehicle capacity
weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should
be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
B
WARNING
QProper 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:
OExcessive wear
OUneven wear
OPoor handling
OPossibility of blowouts resulting from
overheated tires
OAir leaking from between tire and
wheel
OWheel deformation and/or tire dam-
age
OGreater possibility of tire damage
while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp edges in the
road, etc.)