snow chains LEXUS LS430 2005 Owners Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
362
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of rear wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition switch is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
31L138a
 Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self −check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the rear wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
365
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle stability
control system. Even if the vehicle stability control
system is operating, you must always drive carefully
and attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless
driving will result in an accident. If the slip indicator
light blinks, 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
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
31L138a
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
368
Antilock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an antilock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds u sing the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.“ABS” warning light
31L350
 1 U.S.A. 2Canada
The light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light turns off after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti −lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
stability control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti− lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

STARTING AND DRIVING
370
TIRE PRESSURE WARNINGSYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide
warning using a message in the multiinformation
display, master warning light and warning tone when tire
inflation pressure is critically low while driving. This
message appears to inform you that such low tire
pressure may hamper driving.
As this system is not designed to operate when the vehicle is
stopped, check the tire inflation pressure regularly. The
recommended cold tire inflation pressure, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are on the tire and loading information
label. (For instructions, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 468.)
Installed tires should be of the specified size. They should be
of the same size and construction. If tires other than the
specified size are used, or if tires of different sizes or
constructions are mixed, the tire pressure warning system will
not function properly.
Low tire pressure warning message
w264
When the low tire inflation pressure is detected while
driving, the master warning light comes on, the above
message appears and a warning tone sounds.
If the above message appears and adjust the tire inflation
pressure to the specified level as soon as possible. Push the
tire pressure warning system reset switch for a few seconds
and make sure the warning message goes off. If the message
still remains on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
The tire pressure warning system does not function
properly under certain circumstances. In the following
cases, the low tire pressure warning may not turn on even
if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may turn on when
the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
 A compact spare tire, snow tires, or tire chains are used.
 The tire inflation pressure is excessively higher than
specified, or tire inflation pressure suddenly drops due to
bursting or other causes.
 You are driving on slippery road surfaces such as rough or
frozen roads.
 You are driving under 30 km/h (19 mph) or above 100 km/h
(62 mph) for less than 5 minutes.
 The tires differ in tread pattern or manufacturer.
 The tires are not the specified size.

DRIVING TIPS
385
Keep ice
and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
32L013a
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

SECTION 6 – 3
459
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications460
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Checking brake fluid 466
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Checking power steering fluid 467
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Checking tire inflation pressure 468
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Tire information 471
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Types of tires 479
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Rotating tires 480
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Checking and replacing tires 481
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Installing snow tires and chains 483
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Replacing wheels 484
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Aluminum wheel precautions 485
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Suspension and chassis 486
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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 biasply 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.

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.

CHASSIS
484
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident
may occur.
If the chains are installed, the tire pressure warning
system may not operate properly. See “Tire pressure
warning system” on page 370.
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 a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
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.
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.