tire size lexus LS400 1998 Audio System / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

Page 96 of 304

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
81 Keep the belts clean and dry. If they need cleaning, use a
mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach,
dye, or abrasive cleaners they may severely weaken the
belts.
Replace the belt assembly (including bolts) if it has been
used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be
replaced even if damage is not obvious.
Front seat belt buckle illumination
16L020
Opening the driver’s door lights up the driver’s seat belt buckle
for easy use. The same applies for the front passenger’s door and
seat belt buckle.
The light remains on for 15 seconds after the door is closed, but goes
off immediately when all doors are locked.
Fastening front and rear seat belts
16L115-1
Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the
seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the retractor and insert the
tab into the buckle.
You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.
The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat
position.
The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact.
It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion
will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

Page 191 of 304

STARTING AND DRIVING
176
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle skid control system.
Even if the vehicle skid control system is operating, it is not
that your vehicle is absolutely safe. Reckless driving will
result in an unexpected accident. Always keep safety
driving in mind. If the slip indicator light flashes, sounding
an alarm, special care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The size, manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires should be the same.
If you use the tires other than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle skid control system may not function
correctly. When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with
two separate subsystems. If either subsystem should fail, the other
will still work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning
light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to powerassist the brakes.
If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the
vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough
reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push
on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.
Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will
still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard much
harder than normal. And your braking distance will be
longer.

Page 194 of 304

STARTING AND DRIVING
179
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are highspeed capability tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as
snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on
snowcovered or icy roads. For driving on snowcovered or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If 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 adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for
use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.
Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s designated
tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

Page 253 of 304

CHASSIS
238 STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Vehicle load up to four occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P225/60R16 97V
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa (0.9
kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but never
exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
16 x 7 JJ
103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)

Page 256 of 304

CHASSIS
241
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spilling it. The
generator under the power steering reservoir could be
damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63L004-1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle
capacity weight are given on the label inside the glovebox lid.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once
a month. And don’t forget the spare! The pressure for the spare tire
should be 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi). Incorrect tire pressure
can reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced
fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires.
Also, low tire pressure can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the
tire pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel
deformation and/or tire separation. So keep your tire pressures at the
proper level. If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by
your Lexus dealer.

Page 258 of 304

CHASSIS
243
CHECKING AND REPLACING
TIRES
When to replace your tires
63L006-2
1
New tread 2
Tread wear indicator
3
Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The
location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the ”TWI” or

Δ” marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have builtin tread wear indicators to help
you know when the tires need replacement. When the tread depth
wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If you
can see the indicators in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire
should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears down
below 4 mm (0.16 in.).If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough
to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal damage, the
tire should be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are
not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a
deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond
repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a
qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been
used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.

Page 260 of 304

CHASSIS
245
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction
as originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling,
ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and
clearance between the body and tires or snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of
control. If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires
or vice versa, replace them as a set.
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or
ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better
traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. 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 restrictions.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires
which could cause loss of vehicle control.

Page 262 of 304

CHASSIS
247
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or
they may cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may
have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could
fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been
straightened may have hidden structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which
is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling,
wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL
PRECAUTIONS
After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check
that the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum
wheels.
Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your
aluminum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for
damage. If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.

Page 301 of 304

GAS STATION INFORMATION
Fuel selection:
Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or higher for optimum engine
performance. However, if such premium type cannot be
obtained, you may temporarily use unleaded gasoline with an
Octane Rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number 91).
Fuel tank capacity:
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 lmp.gal.)
Engine oil:
API SH, ”EnergyConserving II” or SJ, ”EnergyConserving”
multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity SAE 5W30 if normal
temperatures are below 38C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp.qt.)
Drain and refill
with filter 5.6 (5.9, 4.9)
without filter 5.3 (5.6, 4.7)
See page 230 for detailed information.
Engine coolant:
Capacity: 10.8 L (11.4 qt, 10.4 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type Ethylene glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol
coolant.)
For checking the engine coolant, see page 233.
For changing the engine coolant, see the label on the coolant
reservoir.Automatic transmission:
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid Type TIV or
equivalent
Tire information:
See page 241 through 247 for detailed information.
Tire pressure:
Tire size: P225/60R16 97V
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2
or bar, psi)
Vehicle loaded up
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity
up to occupants weight
Front tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear tires 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32). . . . . . . . . . . . .
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa
(0.9 kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
LS400 (U) 98