snow Lexus GX470 2008 User Guide

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code is not registered, the system will not work properly. After about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indi-
cate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the treadwears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is greater than 1 /2 of the Gross
Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is
greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR), see the Certification Label. (
→P. 3 4 3 , 4 2 4 ) .

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
’■Tire types
1 Summer tiresSummer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving
under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction perfor-
mance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires
is recommended. When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use year round. All sea-
son tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with
snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, al l season tires fall short in acceleration
and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires.
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capac-
ity as the originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restriction.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. ( →P. 1 76 )
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure
checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily
vehicle checks.
■If the tire pressure select switch is set to the wrong tire setting
The system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pres-
sure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indicate a system malfunc-
tion.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The tire pressure warning system may become inoperative in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use genuine Lexus wheels,
the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of
tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal reception.
● If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
luggage compartment.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. (→P. 3 2 6 )
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and racing the engine.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever
to “P”.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, large stones or some other material to help pro-
vide traction under the tires.
Restart the engine.
Lock the center differential to turn off the vehicle stability con-
trol system. (→ P. 147)
Release the parking brake and shift the shift lever to the “D” or
“R” position and carefully apply the accelerator to free the
vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

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6-1. Specifications
Tire related termMeaning
SidewallThat portion of a tire between the tread and bead
Sidewall separationThe parting of the rubber compound from the cord
material in the sidewall
Snow tire
A tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater
than 110, compared to the ASTM E-1136 Standard
Reference Test Tire, when using the snow traction
test as described in ASTM F-1805-00, Standard
Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Traction in a
Straight Line on Snow-and Ice-Covered Surfaces,
and which is marked with an Alpine Symbol ( )
on at least one sidewall
Te s t r i mThe rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and may
be any rim listed as appropriate for use with that tire
Tr e a dThat portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road
Tr e a d r i bA tread section running circumferentially around a
tire
Tread separationPulling away of the tread from the tire carcass
Treadwear indicators
(TWI)The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of
wear of the tread
Wheel-holding fixtureThe fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly
securely during testing

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Abbreviation list
Abbreviation/Acronym list
ABBREVIVATIONSMEANING
A/CAir Conditioning
ABSAnti-Lock Brake System
ACCAccessory
ALRAutomatic Locking Retractor
CALCalibration
CRSChild Restraint System
DACDownhill Assist control system
DISPDisplay
ECUElectronic Control Unit
EDREvent data recorder
ELREmergency Locking Retractor
GAWRGross Axle Weight Ratings
I/MEmission inspection and maintenance
INTIntermittent
KDSSKinetic Dynamic Suspension System
LEDLight Emitting Diode
LSDLimited Slip Differential
MMTMethylcy clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
M + SMud and Snow
MTBEMethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
OBDOn Board Diagnostics

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Alphabetical index
Steering wheelAdjustment............................................... 57
Audio switches ................................... 228
Steering wheel position
memory.................................................. 45
Storage feature......................................259
Stuck If your vehicle becomes stuck...... 410
Sun visors ................................................. 264
Switch “2nd STRT” switch .............................. 122
Center differential lock switch ...... 147
“DAC” switch ........................................ 157
Fog light switch..................................... 137
Height control off switch..................149
Light switches ........................................135
Power door lock switch .................... 26
Power window switch .......................... 61
“RSCA OFF” switch............................ 89
Window lock switch ............................. 61
Wipers and washer switch ............ 138
Tail lights Switch ........................................................135
Theft deterrent system Alarm ...........................................................72
Theft prevention labels .......................... 74
Tire inflation pressure .......................... 419
Tire information Glossary................................................. 429
Size ........................................................... 426
Tire identification number ............. 425
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.....427 Tires
Chains........................................................177
Checking............................................... 336
If you have a flat tire ........................... 391
Inflation pressure ................................. 419
Information ............................................424
Pressure warning system .............. 336
Replacing ................................................ 391
Rotating tires........................................ 336
Size ............................................................. 419
Snow tires................................................ 178
Tools.............................................................391
Total load capacity ................................. 174
Towing
Dinghy towing ......................................190
Emergency towing ............................373
Trailer towing ........................................180
Trip information display .......................132
Trip meter ..................................................126
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 365
Switch ........................................................ 124
Wattage ................................................. 420
Vanity lights Vanity lights.......................................... 265
Wattage ................................................. 420
Vanity mirrors ........................................... 265
Vehicle identification number ...........413
Vehicle load limits .................................. 174
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) ..... 159
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