flat tire LEXUS LS430 2005 Owner's Guide
Page 497 of 539
CHASSIS
478
Tire related termMeaning
Rim size designationrim diameter and width
Rim type designationthe industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code
Rim widthnominal distance between rim flanges
Vehicle maximum load on
the tirethe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to eac\
h axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two
Vehicle normal load on
the tirethe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to eac\
h axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight
(distributed in accordance with Table 1 that follows) and dividing by two
Weather sidethe surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire
Table 1 – Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various  designated seating capacities
Designated seating capacity, Number of occupants
Vehicle normal load, 
Number of occupantsOccupant distribution in a normally loaded vehicle
2 through 422 in front
5 through 1032 in front, 1 in second seat 
Page 499 of 539
CHASSIS
480
ROTATING TIRES
63L020a
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to
the maintenance schedule.  (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.)  However, the most appropriate
timing for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated
above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and
damage.  Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire inflation pressure, improper wheel alignment,
out−of−balance wheels, or severe braking. Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the
same 
direction when using them again.  Tires should be
stored in a cool dry place.
Initial adjustment of th e tire pressure warning
system is necessary after you have rotated your
tires. See “Tire pressure warning system” on page
370. 
Page 500 of 539
CHASSIS
481
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
62L026
 1New tread   2Tread wear indicator
 3Worn 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, etc., molded on
the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built −in 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 air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving.
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 applies also to the spare tire and tires stored for
future use. 
Page 501 of 539
CHASSIS
482
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size and
construction , and the same or greater maximum
load as the originally installed tires.
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.
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.  For details about the Certification
Label and sidewall of the tire, see pages 434 and 471.CAUTION
Observe  the following instructions.  Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
 Do not mix radial, bias belted, or bias ply tires
on your vehicle, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of
control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may 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. 
Page 502 of 539
CHASSIS
483
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES ANDCHAINS
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 tires of the same size,
construction and  load capacity as the originally installed
tires.
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.
CAUTION
Observe the following instruction.  Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use snow tires other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
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.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires incorrectly inflated.
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road.  Always check local
regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V− bar type chains. 
Page 539 of 539
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:
84 L (22.2 gal., 18.5 lmp.gal.)
 Engine oil:
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
Oil grade:  API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity  − SAE 5W−30 if normal
temperatures are below 38 C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp.qt.)
  Drain and refill with filter 5.1 (5.4 , 4.8)
without filter 4.5 (4.8 , 4.0)
See page 452 for detailed information.
 Engine coolant:
Capacity:  9.5 L (10.0 qt, 8.4 lmp.qt.)
Coolant  type − “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar
high  quality ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non −amine,
non−nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology  (Coolant with long −life hybrid
organic  acid technology is a combination of low phosphates
and organic acids.) Do not use plain water alone.
For checking the engine coolant, see page 455.
 Automatic transmission:
Fluid type −  “Toyota Genuine ATF WS”
See page 461 for detailed information.
 Tire information:
See page 468 through 485 for detailed information.
 Tire inflation pressure:
cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2  or bar, psi)
Ti
re sizeFrontRear
P225/55R17 95H 220 (2.2, 32) 220 (2.2, 32)
245/45R18 96W 230 (2.3, 33) 230 (2.3, 33)
P245/45R18 96V 230 (2.3, 33) 230 (2.3, 33)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law,  add the
tire  pressure given below to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on
the tire sidewall.
P225/55R17 95H 20kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 3 psi)
245/45R18 96W 40kPa (0.4 kgf/cm2 or bar, 6 psi)
P245/45R18 96V 40kPa (0.4 kgf/cm2 or bar, 6 psi)