LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owners Manual

4916-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Tire types ●
Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance 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 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. ●
All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for
driving in most winter condit ions as well as for use year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, 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 perfor-
mance compared with summer tires in highway driving. ●
Snow 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 capacity as the
originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make
sure your snow tires also have radial cons truction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible re strictions. Snow tires should be installed
on all wheels. (  P. 3 9 0 )■
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
Initialize the system with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the specified level. ■
If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost. ■
If you press the tire pressure warning reset switch accidentally
If initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level and ini-
tialize the tire pressure warning system again.

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Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly ●
In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel
housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered
in the tire pressure warning computer. ●
Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-
port or other facility th at generates strong radio waves or electrical noise.
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless ph one or other wireless
communication device.
If tire position information is not correctl y displayed due to the radio wave conditions,
the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions. ●
When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be
extended. ●
When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the
warning may not function. ■
The initialization operation ●
Make sure to carry out initialization af ter adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carry ing out initialization or tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment. ●
If you have accidentally turned the power swit ch off during initializat ion, it is not neces-
sary to press the reset switch again as init ialization will restart automatically when the
power switch has been turned to ON mode for the next time. ●
If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not necessary, adjust the
tire inflation pressure to the specified leve l when the tires are co ld, and conduct initial-
ization again. ●
While the position of each tire is being de termined and the inflation pressures are not
being displayed on the mu lti-information display, if the in flation pressure of a tire drops,
the tire pressure warning light will come on.

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Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Warning performance of the tire pressure warning system
The warning of the tire pressure warning syst em will change in accordance with the con-
ditions under which it was initialized. For this reason, the system may give a warning even
if the tire pressure does not reach a low enough level, or if the pressure is higher than the
pressure that was adjusted to when the system was initialized. ■
When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization may take longer to complete if the vehicle is driven on an unpaved road.
When performing initialization, drive on a pa ved road if possible. Depending on the driv-
ing environment and condition of the tires, initialization will be completed in approxi-
mately 10 to 30 minutes. If initialization is not complete af ter driving approximately 10 to
30 minutes, continue driving for a while.
If the inflation pressure of each tire is not displayed after driving for approximately 1 hour,
perform the following procedure. ●
Park the vehicle in a safe place for approxim ately 20 minutes. Then drive straight (with
occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for
approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
However, in the following situations, the tire inflation pressure will not be recorded and
the system will not operate properly. Perform initialization again. ●
When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light
does not blink 3 times. ●
After performing initialization, the tire pres sure warning light blinks for 1 minute then
stays on while driving.
If the inflation pressure of each tire is st ill not displayed, have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.

494 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Certification for tire pressure warning system

4956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.●
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear. ●
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus. ●
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires). ●
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires. ●
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously. ●
Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed. ■
When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not initializing tire inflation pressure wi thout first adjusting the tire inflation pressure
to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may not come on even
if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is
actually normal.
NOTICE ■
Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and
tire valve caps ●
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.●
Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps ar e not installed, water
could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves
could be bound. ●
When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.
The cap may become stuck. ■
To avoid damage to the tire pressu re warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid se alant is used, contact your Lexus dealer or
other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (  P. 4 8 8 )■
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning
ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires
themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body. ■
If tire inflation pressure of ea ch tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

496 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure and tire size are displayed on
the tire and loading information label.
(  P. 5 8 9 )
Tire inflation pressure Tire inflation pressure

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Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge
Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust the pres-
sure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and adjustment,
apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on. ■
Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure ev ery two weeks, or at least once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare. ■
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following: ●
Reduced fuel economy ●
Reduced driving comfort and poor handling ●
Reduced tire life due to wear ●
Reduced safety ●
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, ha ve it checked by your Lexus dealer.Inspection and adjustment procedure 1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6

498 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following: ●
Check 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 reading. ●
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is prop erly inflated based only on its appearance.●
It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated
in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. ●
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
WA R N I N G ■
Proper 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: ●
Excessive wear ●
Uneven wear ●
Poor handling ●
Possibility of blowouts result ing from overheated tires●
Air leaking from between tire and wheel ●
Wheel deformation and/or tire damage ●
Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards, expansion
joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)
NOTICE ■
When inspecting and adjust ing tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and cause an air
leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.

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Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are equivalent
to those removed in load capacity , diameter, rim width and inset
* .
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
* : Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following: ●
Wheels of different sizes or types ●
Used wheels ●
Bent wheels that have been straightened ●
Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with your alumi-
num wheels. ●
When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel nuts are
still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km). ●
Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire chains. ●
Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber
hammer when balancing your wheels. ■
When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advance warning in the event
of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters must be installed. (  P. 4 8 8 )Wheels If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced. Other-
wise, the tire may separate from the whee l or cause a loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel precautions

500 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When replacing wheels ●
Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the Owner’s
Manual, as this may result in a loss of handling control. ●
Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire. Doing
so may result in an accident, causing death or serious injury. ■
Use of defective wheels prohibited
Do not use cracked or deformed wheels.
Doing so could cause the tire to leak air during driving, possibly causing an accident.
NOTICE ■
Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters ●
Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, make sure to have tires servic ed by your Lexus dealer or other qualified
service shop. In addition, make sure to pu rchase your tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters at your Lexus dealer. ●
Ensure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitte rs may not work properly with non-genu-
ine wheels. ■
Selectable Color Trim (if equipped) ●
If rattles, noise, or ot her problems occur while
Selectable Color Trim are installed, contact
your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not remove or install Selectable Color
Trim yourself, as it may be damaged. Have the
Selectable Color Trim removed and installed
by your Lexus dealer.