tires Lexus GS350 2012 User Guide

3244-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
When backing up, be sure to check visually behind and all around the vehi-
cle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to assist the
driver when backing up. Never depend on the parking assist monitor
entirely when backing up. Always make sure your intended path is clear.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
Never back up while looking only at the screen.
The image shown on the screen may differ from the actual state, and you
could collide with another vehicle or obstacles if backing up looking only
at the screen, possibly causing an accident. When backing up, be sure to
check in front of and behind the vehicle, both directly and with mirrors.
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the
shoulder, depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, then disable the
assist system by select on the screen to cancel the system.
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to
traffic conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc. when
parking. It is necessary to be fully aware of this before using the parking
assist system.
When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate
your vehicle before maneuvering into it.
Do not use system in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the trunk lid is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.

339
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving
may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light
flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

3404-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different
tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will
affect the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

359
4 4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Winter driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 19 inch tires.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driv-
ing the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner
appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

3604-6. Driving tips
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around
the tires or on the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road
conditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadver-
tent sliding or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

3614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Vehicles without 19 inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Vehicles with 19 inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 19 inch tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on
location and type of road. Always check local regulations before
installing chains.
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains

3624-6. Driving tips
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)If heavy snow or icy condition is expected, shift the rest position
manually.
Grip the hook section of the wiper arm firmly when shifting the
wiper position.
To rest position
Raise the wiper in line with
the windshield.
You can stand the wipers up for
the rest position.
: More than 10 cm (3.9 in.)
To retract position
Lower the wipers by pressing
on the upper part of the hook
section.
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
Install tire chains on the rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front
tires.
Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 0.5  1.0 km (1/4  1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Shifting the windshield wiper position

3634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
Use tires of the specified size.
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.
Driving with tire chains (vehicles without 19 inch tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, as well as sudden braking and
shifting operation to engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.

3644-6. Driving tips
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
Fitting tire chains (vehicles without 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function cor-
rectly when tire chains are fitted.
When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. (P. 362)
Failure to do so may result in damage to the wipers and/or the hood.

643
6Maintenance and care
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 644
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 648
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ................... 651
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions...................... 654
Hood ................................. 657
Positioning a floor jack ..... 658
Engine compartment ......... 660
Tires .................................. 672
Tire inflation pressure ....... 689
Wheels .............................. 691
Air conditioning filter ....... 693
Electronic key battery ....... 695
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 698
Light bulbs ........................ 720