tires Lexus GS430 2006 Scheduled Maintenance Guide / LEXUS 2006 GS430/GS300 FROM JAN. 2006 PROD. (OM30786U) Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPS
456
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break−in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp −edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block
the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safel y, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
457
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 366.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
 Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive
over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has
highspeed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h
(85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to
determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
highspeed capability tires or not before driving at
such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.

DRIVING TIPS
460
TRAILER TOWING
G32002
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Lexus also does not recommend the installation
of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a
wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Lexus is not
designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy − just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a
month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission” on page 359.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.

DRIVING TIPS
462
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity . Follow the
load limits shown below. Total load capacity and seating
capacity are also described on the tire and loading
information label. For location of the tire and loading
information label, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 548.
Total load capacity: 370 kg (815 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage.
Seating capacity: Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of each
person, the seating capacity given may exceed the total
load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.
Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on
the size (weight) and the number of occupants. For
details, see “Capacity and distribution” that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.

SECTION 4
467
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving468
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 468
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase engine speed 473
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 473
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with run −flat tires) 474
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with standard tires) 476
. . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 487
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 488
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 496
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 497
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
474B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
(Vehicles with runflat tires)
G63004
You may continue driving a vehicle with runflat
tires even if any tire goes flat. It may be able to run
for a maximum of 160 km (100 miles) at a speed
below 90 km/h (55 mph) after the tire pressure
warning light comes on. When you drive your
vehicle after the tire pressure warning light comes
on, the tire must be replaced. Do not use the
repaired tire.
Observe the following precautions and take your vehicle
to the nearest Lexus dealer or authorized tire dealer.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
475
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light comes on, take
your vehicle to the nearest Lexus dealer or
authorized tire dealer as soon as possible,
observing the following instructions:
Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit. Do
not drive for longer than 160 km (100 miles) or
over 90 km/h (55 mph).
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the
brakes, causing death or serious injury.
 The warning system may not activate
immediately if bursts or sudden air leakage
should occur.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be damaged.
 Take due care not to go over a curb stone and
be careful of the holes in the road because
deflated tire pressure affects tire cushion
performance. The wheels, tires, body,
suspension and other components could be
damaged.
 Your ground clearance is reduced if the runflat
tire goes flat so avoid driving over obstacles
and drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and
speed bumps. Also, do not attempt to go
through an automatic car wash as the vehicle
may get caught, resulting in damage.
 When the tires must be repaired and replaced,
have them repaired and replaced by your Lexus
dealer or an authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be affected by the installation or removal of
tires.
 When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters as well.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
476
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
(Vehicles with standard tires)
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light comes on,
observe the following instructions:
 Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit.
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the
brakes, causing death or serious injury.
 The warning system may not activate
immediately if bursts or sudden air leakage
should occur.
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place − well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ”P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic. 5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be
sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Otherwise, personal injury
may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the transmission
in ”P”. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one being changed if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow
the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause
personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
477
Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not put an object
on or under the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
 Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
 When the tires must be repaired and replaced,
have them repaired and replaced by your Lexus
dealer or an authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters will
be affected by the installation or removal of
tires.
 When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure warning vales and
transmitters as well.
Compact spare tire
G40025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive
wording “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” molded into the
side wall of the tire.
To keep the compact spare tire noticeable, do not hide
the wheel by a wheel cover or such.
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage
compartment, and its lighter weight helps to improve fuel
economy and permits easier installation in case of a flat
tire.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
478
The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire
pressure warning valve and transmitter. If a tire goes
flat, the warning light will not turn off even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire
with the repaired tire and adjust the proper tire inflation
pressure. The tire pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if
necessary. It has tread life of up to 4800 km (3000 miles)
depending on road conditions and your driving habits.
When tread wear indicators appear on the tire, replace
the tire. (See “Checking and replacing tires” on page
563.)CAUTION
 The compact spare tire was designed especially
for your Lexus. Do not use it on any other
vehicle.
 Do not use more than one compact spare tire at
the same time.
 The pressure for the compact spare tire must be
420 kPa (4.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.2 bar, 60 psi).
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving
with the compact spare tire.
 Replace the compact spare tire with the
standard tire as soon as possible.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden
deceleration and sharp turns with the compact
spare tire.