snow chains Lexus GS450h 2007 Using the audio system / LEXUS 2007 GS450H FROM JULY 2006 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A05U)

167
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the hybrid system is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel
may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF. The system should return to nor-
mal about 10 minutes.
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is op erating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the ve hicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain 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 roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

176
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/inverter coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● 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 same si ze and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow 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.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check lo cal regulations before installing
chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake ma y freeze up, preventing it from
being released.

179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Snow 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.
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
●Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing 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 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.

180
2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Lexus dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers. 
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

387
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the
fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warn ing valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After about 20 minutes, the
tire pressure warning light comes on after bl inking for 1 minute to indicate a system
malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Low profile tires (245/40R18, P245/40R18 and 245/40ZR18 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when co mpared to standard tires. Be sure to
use snow tires or snow chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a
speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.

5
When trouble arises
447
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The system will be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is more than 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar).
The system may be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If the tire pressure warning select switch is set to a different tire setting.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
●If tire chains are used.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the power switch is turned to “IG-ON” mode, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
NOTICE
■Precaution when insta lling a different tire
When a tire of a different specification or maker is installed, the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not operate properly.

5
When trouble arises
467
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Firmly tighten each nut two or
three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.
STEP4
■If you have a flat rear tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on the front of the vehicle. Perform the following steps
and fit tire chains to the rear tires.
Replace a front tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat rear tire with the tire removed from the front of the vehi-
cle.
Fit tire chains to the rear tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( P. 3 8 4 )
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

524
Alphabetical index
Tail lightsSwitch ........................................................ 122
Theft deterrent system Alarm ............................................................ 61
Hybrid vehicle immobilizer 
system ..................................................... 59
Theft prevention labels .......................... 63
Tire inflation pressure .........................493
Tire information Glossary.................................................503
Size .......................................................... 500
Tire identification number ............. 499
Uniform tire quality grading .......... 501
Tires Chains ....................................................... 177
Checking ...............................................383
Compact spare tire .......................... 462
If you have a flat tire ............... 460, 461
Inflation pressure................................ 493
Information............................................498
Pressure warning system ..............383
Replacing .................................................461
Rotating tires ........................................383
Size ........................................................... 493
Snow tires ................................................ 179
Tools ............................................................ 461
Total load capacity ................................ 175
Touch screen ........................................... 184
Towing Dinghy towing .......................................182
Emergency towing ........................... 429
Trailer towing.......................................... 181
TRAC (Traction control) .................... 164
Transmission If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ....................................472
Mode select switch.............................107 S mode .....................................................108
Transmission..........................................106
Trip meter ................................................... 113
Trunk Opener ...................................................... 29
Trunk light .................................................. 31
Wattage ................................................. 494
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ......................... 421
Switch ..........................................................110
Wattage ................................................. 494
Vanity lights Vanity lights............................................ 313
Wattage ................................................. 494
Vanity mirrors ............................................. 313
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics 
Integrated Management) ................165
Vehicle identification number......... 487
Vehicle load limits .................................. 175
Ventilators .................................................321
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio 
Steering) .................................................164
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) ......164
Warning buzzers Brake system ....................................... 438
Downshifting..........................................108
Open door .......................................... 440
Seat belt reminder ............................ 440
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ... 439
Brake system ....................................... 438
Charging system ............................... 438T
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