spare tire Lexus GS450h 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS450H OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A96U)

435
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedule and
treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear indi-
cators is shown by the “TWI” or
“ ” marks, etc., molded on the
sidewall of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and
inflation pressure if not rotated.
■Tire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Lexus recommends that
tire rotation is carried out at the
same interval as tire inspection.
■The tire pressure warning system
Your Lexus is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valves and tr ansmitters to detect low tire infla-
tion pressure before serious problems arise. ( P. 493, 501)
Front

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every 2 weeks, or at least once a month.
If equipped, do not forget to check the spare.
■ Inspection and adjustment procedure
Ti r e v a l v e
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 graduations of the gauge.
If the tire inflation pressure is not within the recommended lev-
els, adjust tire pressure. 
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to lower.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and
adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leak-
age.
Reinstall the tire valve cap.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

496
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire pressure warning light.
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning 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 pressure warning select switch is set to a different tire setting.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or higher.
The tire pressure warning 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 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. (E ven if you use Lexus wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caus ed by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped wi th the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure 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.

5
When trouble arises
497
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Vehicles with standard tires:
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation
pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is
flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
●Vehicles with run-flat tires:
• Decelerate to the lowest appropriate speed as soon as possible. Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have the tire replaced by
the nearest Lexus dealer.
• 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.

498
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
CAUTION
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure re commended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressu re label (tire and load information label).
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label [tire and load information label], you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when one or more of your tires is sig-
nificantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator to indicate when th e system is not operating properly. The
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists . When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a variety of rea-
sons, including the installation of replacem ent or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pres sure warning system) from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction tell-
tale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) to continue to function properly.

5
When trouble arises
517
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles with standard tires)
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●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.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut wrench Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireTi g h t e n
Loosen
Tools
Towing eyelet

518
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identified by the label “TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
on the tire sidewall.
Use the compact spare tire temporarily only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire inflatio n pressure of the compact spare tire. 
(  P. 5 5 1 )
■Tr e a d l i f e
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary. It has tread life of up
to 3000 miles (4800 km) depending on road conditions and your driving habits.
When treadwear indicato rs appear on the tire, replace the tire. ( P. 4 3 5 )
■When using the compact spare tire
As the spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be warned. Also, if you replace the
compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning light comes on, the light remains
on.
■ Compact spare tire
The compact tire saves space in your luggage compartment, and its
lighter weight helps to enhance fuel economy and permits easier
installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary emer-
gency use only.

5
When trouble arises
519
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Taking out the spare tireLift up the hook of the panel on the
trunk floor.
Secure the panel using the hook
provided. Then take out the tool
tray.
Loosen the center fastener that
secures the spare tire.
If the center fastener cannot be
turned by hand, use the wrench
that is stored in the trunk. (To
secure the tire, tighten the center
fastener by hand. Do not use the
wrench or other tools.)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

522
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Installing the spare tireRemove any dirt or foreign matter
from the wheel contact surface.
If foreign matter is on the wheel
contact surface, the wheel nuts
may loosen while the vehicle is in
motion, and the tire may come off
the vehicle.
Install the spare tire and loosely
tighten each wheel nut by hand to
approximately the same amount.
Tighten the wheel nuts until the
tapered portion comes into loose
contact with the disc wheel sheet.
Lower the vehicle.
STEP1
STEP2
Disc wheel 
sheet
Tapered portion
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
523
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
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. 4 3 6 )
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3