tires Lexus GS300h 2013 Owner's Guide

7706-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmit-
ters and tire valve caps (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional as the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are 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 pressure warning valves and transmitters (vehi-
cles with the tire pressure warning system)
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional 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. 756)

771 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
NOTICE
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.
Low profile tires (except 225/50R17 tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel
when sustaining impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to
the following:
Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated,
they may be damaged more severely.
Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure
to do so may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.
If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

7726-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Tire inflation pressure
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
Reduced fuel efficiency
Reduced driving comfort and tire life
Reduced safety
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation
pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation pres-
sure that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality and handling.
Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire infla-
tion pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation
pressure should be checked at least once per month. However,
Lexus recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked once
every two weeks. (P. 936)

773 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions may
occur and result in an accident causing death or serious injury:
Excessive wear
Uneven wear
Poor handling
Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
Poor sealing of the tire bead
Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve and cause
air leakage, which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost, replace
them as soon as possible.

775
6 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Maintenance and care
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
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 (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters 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. 756)
Aluminum wheel precautions
CAUTION
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 tube-
less tire. Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious
injury.
Do not install steel wheels.
The wheel contact surface could be damaged, and the wheel could come
off while driving, which could lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury. (except for vehicles with a steel spare wheel)
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.

7766-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
NOTICE
Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters (vehicles with the
tire pressure warning system)
Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional or other qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to
purchase your tire pressure warning valves and transmitters at any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
Ensure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with
non-genuine wheels.

829
7 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
If you think something is wrong
Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system
Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
Appreciable loss of power
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

8387-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. The vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the
ABS system may fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold
firmly and operate using more force than usual.
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a
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 infla-
tion pressure immediately.
If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a
tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by
the nearest any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
NOTICE
Precaution when installing a different tire
When differently constructed tires or tires of different makers, models or
tread patterns are installed, the tire pressure warning system may not oper-
ate properly.

8717-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with a spare tire)
Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Stop the hybrid system.
Turn on the emergency flashers. (P. 820)
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire provided.
For details about tires: P. 754
CAUTION
If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the
wheel beyond repair, which could result in an accident.
Before jacking up the vehicle

8737-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Using the tire jack
Observe the following precautions.
Improper use of the tire jack may cause the vehicle to suddenly fall off the
jack, leading to death or serious injury.
Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for replac-
ing tires on this vehicle.
Put the jack properly in its jack point.
Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack.
Do not start the hybrid system or drive the vehicle while the vehicle is
supported by the jack.
Do not raise the vehicle while someone is inside.
When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
Do not raise the vehicle to a height greater than that required to replace the
tire.
Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
When lowering the vehicle, make sure that there is no-one near the vehi-
cle. If there are people nearby, warn them vocally before lowering.